A blessing received  

I’ve often written about encouraging others, and last Friday it was me who received the blessing. 

Earlier that morning, I was thinking about how much I missed hearing from Mary Purselley when she enjoyed a column or article. She would often call and say (I can still hear her distinct voice,) “Well you did it again. That was a good one.” We would chat for a moment and I’d say thanks for reading and taking time to call and then she would hang up. She’s definitely enjoying her rewards in Heaven, but I’m not sure we deliver that far. (Maybe I’ve just been writing bad columns and she is too nice to tell me.)

Anyway, another precious lady called this past Friday (the same day I had been thinking of Mrs. Mary.) She told me she was elderly and this past year had been pretty rough and lonely for her. Her hands weren’t strong enough any more to hold her Bible, so she kept a column from last year under her pillow and would read it again every night. Reading the “Be Anxious for Nothing” column helped her have a peaceful sleep.

Oh my! Of course my eyes filled with tears. I just couldn’t imagine her loneliness. I was so grateful she took the time to call me and share her heart. I was so blessed.

This writer (me) is often very insecure and always concerned about each article I write. Did they like it? Did I get everything correct? Did auto spell-check change a word and make me look crazier than I really am?) Was the story a blessing to their business? So there are many times, I’d rather be a checker at a store and slide groceries through a scanner and be as inconspicuous as possible. (I’m thankful for checkers with a smile, by the way!) But, for now, this is where God has me. And when I hear stories like this precious lady, I know God has seen fit to use me in this position for Him.

But that’s exactly how it should be at whatever job God has placed us. We each have a circle of influence, friends and family that we need to reach with the Good News of Jesus Christ. We should pray that people don’t see “us” but see Christ. I fail Him so many times and get grouchy when software doesn’t work right or my plate gets too full. But I’m so grateful His Word is always true and we can still rely on His Word to get us through difficult days, and lonely nights.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known.” Philippians 4:6. 

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalms 46:10

“For I the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’” Isaiah 41:13.

This past year has been difficult for many. We’ve had to say ‘goodbye for now’ to some good people. But one promise I always rely on —  God is faithful. He totally knows and understands everything we feel and are going through. 

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” I. Corinthians 1:9.

“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7.

Easter is fast approaching. That time in history really happened. We can be confident when Jesus Christ raised from the dead —  He can and will take care of our needs. Keep resting in His promises.