Unknown Encourager

“How have I been an encouragement to you?” The surprise was evident on his face as he asked the question. Given his circumstances, I wasn’t surprised by his puzzlement, but he had asked, so I answered.

“By your knowledge of the Word of God,” I began.

“Well, I read it every day,” he interjected. “Not much else to do around here.”

I continued, “And by your thoughtful application of it to life circumstances. By the fact that when I was out sick you prayed for me and for my family. By the way you help me see the world from a perspective different from my own, but still with biblical understanding. And by the fact that you stay to talk theology and politics and sports and such. Mature conversation without vulgarity. It’s very encouraging and refreshing.”

He sat there, nodded his understanding, and then shared his thoughts with me. It was a good conversation, as always. He’s several years older than I am, and he has worked most of his life. He’s a smart man, clever, but never finished school, so he’s my student.

Would you pray for him? God knows what the desires of this man’s heart are. Salvation of loved ones is the one desire I can tell you. Thank you.