Wednesday, March 9, 2016
My wife and I were shopping at a local department store last week and as we were walking up to it we spotted an elderly man sitting in a bench by the front door with a young lady with obvious special needs. He was helping her eat a sandwich. I assumed he was her grandfather. Later, I saw them walking inside the store arm and arm and although she only made something like a grunting sound, it seemed like he understood her and would reply. As I pondered those scenes, my first thought was that this man would never in his lifetime ever hear her tell him “thank you” or that she loved and appreciated him.
There are many people in this world like this elderly gentleman who are totally devoted to someone in their life. They will never get a “thank you” or a pat in the back for their selfless efforts, yet they continue doing what they do with complete dedication never grumbling or complaining about it. They give without expecting anything in return, a true picture of unconditional love. The rest of us, we get upset when something or someone interrupts our daily routine. Do you ever wonder why certain people are thrust into a situation like the one of the elderly man in our story? I’m not an expert on the matter but I suspect they’ve just been chosen by God for such a task just like He chose Moses, David, Joseph, and many other bible heroes to do what they did. I bet none of these heroes of the faith ever thought they had what it took to accomplish their daunting tasks. In a way, they were right. If it were not for the fact that the One who called them also supplied them with the courage, grace, and strength that they needed, they could have never done what they did.
In is no different for the rest of us. If He hasn’t already, it just may be that God will chose one, two, or more of us to perform a task which at the present time we are convinced we cannot handle. Whether we want to be chosen for something like this or not, we should all be ready, for it is God who determines who He will call. One thing is certain, however, and that is that if He calls us, He will also equip us. If, on the other hand, one or two of you are already in a situation which, humanly speaking, is beginning to weigh heavily on you, don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 reminds us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” It just may be that the “thank you” or the pat in the back will not come to you in this lifetime, but God’s promises are sure: In due season you will reap the benefits if you don’t give up. Others in this life may never acknowledge or become aware of your efforts but rest assured that your Heavenly Father is watching and what He thinks of you is all that really matters.
Memory verse for the week: (Psalm 118:6) “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
