A Lost Screw

August 2026

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Last week I decided to examine the blower unit on our HVAC system. The air coming out of the vents was no longer cold and the system was not removing the humidity out of the air. I knew the float valve could be the culprit from past experiences and, sure enough, it was covered with a gummy white substance which was causing it to malfunction. But I noticed no water was in the drain tube, so decided to remove the cover of the unit to check the drain pan; it, too, was completely dry.

Resetting the float valve, I replaced the cover and felt good about my work until one screw got away and fell to the floor. One screw is not a big deal, but it aggravated me, so a resulting hour-long search found no trace of the lost screw. I spared no effort: moving everything near the unit, getting on hands and knees with a flashlight, employing a tool magnet – all to no avail. I even asked eagle-eyed Maureen for assistance. She found another screw matching the one I lost. But still, I have that lost one on my mind. Where could it possibly have gone?

The Greek word the writer of Hebrews uses to describe both my dilemma and search is ekzeteo; a compound word which gets its intensity from how it is built. Ek is a prefix meaning “out of” or “from.” When attached to a verb, it acts as an intensifier, meaning to do something “fully,” “exhaustively” or “to the end.” Zeteo means “to seek,” “to look for,” or “to investigate.” Combined, it describes a person who pursues something—or someone—with total concentration and earnest desire until they find it. It implies leaving no stone unturned.

The phrase, employed in Hebrews 11:6, is “diligently seek,” and it is applied to how we are to remain completely engaged and driven in our faith relationship with God. Casual, careless, uncommitted prayer is insufficient if we hope for God to be “a rewarder” of our requests. Only a daily heart attitude of placing everything else on hold while we seek His Presence will suffice.

God’s favor is incomparable to a lost screw or wallet or set of keys, yet how often do we approach Him with less enthusiasm and determination than we do these far less important things?

Dr. Lynn Hardaway