~Returned Blessings~There was a time last year, when I was feeling very far from the Lord. I stopped by and Verna encouraged me without even knowing it. She began to tell me of how she became saved. She described the big tent meeting, and how a woman offered to hold her baby if she wanted to go forward. Gods presence filled the room! Tears filled her eyes, and mine, as she shared her testimony with me. It was such a long time ago, but she spoke as if it were yesterday. "Do you remember?" God reminded me of my own testimony, and I realized how long it had been since I shared it with anyone. How awesome it was when Jesus came into my life! That visit broke down walls that had surrounded my heart. The time I spent with her, not only touched her, but me as well. Lately, Verna has not been doing well. She's going home. I sat by her bed-side last week, and held her hand. I watched as she looked past me, and reached out as if an angel were standing by our side. She looked at me, and told me that she loved me. Then she said, "You're such a blessing to me"... to me?! I didn't know what to say. Isn't this the way of God? We give so little and receive so much in return. I can't begin to explain all the ways that I have been blessed by the time spent at this "resthome." Some people, in fact most...don't feel led into this area of ministry. The sites, smells and sounds are not pleasant. If that were all, it would be bad enough. But, we also face our own mortality. Growing old.... scary thought. Who will help us? Who will come to visit me, read or pray for me? If we aren't careful, satan will lead us down a path of self pity, and worry, wondering about our own end. There is a wonderful expression to hang on too. It's Not About Me! It is not about me.... it is all about them! There are two groups of people you are dealing with in any ministry. Saved and unsaved. The unsaved, desperately searching for meaning to all the years of their life. Seeing how quickly it has passed on by. They need to know that there is a heaven. An eternal home prepared for those who accept Jesus as their personal saviour. The saved, need to know that God's people have not forgotten them. All the years of service... ushers, Sunday school teachers, prayer warriors. Now unable to care for themselves. Didn't God say Feed My Sheep? There are many ministries available to get involved with. And no matter which one you are helping with, remember, It's not about you... but it is All about the saved and the lost... People. A touch of your hand, a smile, just a few moments of your time to walk through and say hello! We become a Blessing to them, but you will never out give God!! James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. |
