A month or so ago, I went to a restaurant to order food to go. I sat at the bar, ordered a glass of water, and placed my food order. After taking off my hat, I placed the keys in my hat and placed my hat on the counter. I chatted with the bartender while waiting. (Please pray for this gentleman as I am working to help him know Jesus.)

Many people were at the bar, drinking and having a great time. The smell of great food was in the air and I was on a dual mission: water the seeds of the gospel in the bartender and get the good food for my wife and me. So far, so good. It’s a great time at the bar. (Oh that God would raise up some believers who are passionate about Jesus who will go to places like bars, full of the Holy Spirit, order a glass of the finest ginger ale, and reach out to people who go to bars simply to talk.)

Well, my food comes out, I tip the waiter, put on my hat and leave the bar. When I get to the car, whistling and content, I cannot find my keys. I search around the car and under the car. No keys. I trace my steps from the parking lot to the bar. No keys. I look around the bar, on the bar, at the bar. No keys. I ask the host and the bartender, “Have you seen my keys? Has anyone turned in keys?” No keys. At this point the bartender goes outside to help me look. No keys.

Now, I’m asking the ageless question of Nicodemus: “how can these things be?” LOL!

Then, I have a great idea: Pray! (Pray first, that’s always the best strategy.) “Lord, help me find my keys.”

Suddenly, out of know where, I feel a little pinch on the right side of my head. “Could it be? No, I wouldn’t have. This is embarrassing. Come on!” Yes, my friends, the keys were in my hat, which was on my head.

Have you stopped laughing at me yet? LOL!

I repeat, the keys were in my hat on my head.

What are you searching for? God says, Take Off Your Hat! Everything you need, God has given you and put on the inside of you. The solution is not outside, it is within. Christ in you is the hope of glory!

Let’s not waste time and energy trying to find keys to life, keys to marriage, keys to business, keys to church growth, keys to health, etc. etc. in external things. Jesus said He give us the keys to the Kingdom.

We don’t have to look far. Just Take Off Your Hat. Get in the secret place with God and discover the keys.

Take Off Your Hat.