When God puts someone on my heart to encourage, I pray
for them, shoot them an email, make a phone call or send them a card. I got a
blessing back recently that I never expected.
I received a photo of several of my cards which I sent to
one sister-in-Christ over the years. Rather than reading and discarding my
handcrafted cards, she kept every one of them. The photo she sent is of a
little pile of my cards, which I sent to her.
This wonderful Saint had to relocate multiple times over
the years and suffered painful devastation repeatedly during that time. Yet, in
all of that confusion and the heart-rending circumstances, she carried those
little cards with her.
She told me that whenever she needs encouragement or
support or to know that she is loved, she takes out all the cards I sent to her
and reads them all over again.
What a huge blessing to know that this simple act on my
part is continuing to show God's love over the miles and the years. My own
mother has several of my cards placed around her home and she says they bring
her comfort and joy when she glances at them or rereads them.
Please always respond to God's directive if He tells you to send someone a card or email. Like me, you may be humbled and encouraged someday to learn that the person kept them and continues to be fortified in their spirit because of them.
Never underestimate the importance of a simple act of
obedience to the Lord. The amazing love from Christ in us to His Body can reap
benefits for that person for many years and across thousands of miles and end
up blessing us in return.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You so much for teaching us to obey the
leading of Your Spirit each moment of every day. Help us to simplify our life;
so that we are never too busy to obey You even in the simple, seemingly
insignificant ways You call us to minister to one another. Remind us that birthdays
are special and we should acknowledge the day for those we love.
We give You all of the honor and praise when You use us
as Your hands and feet. Teach us that You also give us Your heart to show Your
love to the Body of Christ and the unsaved people in our life. Help us to be
even more mindful of You throughout our day - even in the most mundane or
routine experiences.
Thought for the Day:
A simple act of kindness and obedience to God's Spirit
will send repercussions of encouragement and love across the years and miles.
