The Messenger

by Cindy Hester

As I sat straightening my desk before leaving the office, a dear friend and co-worker stepped in my office with a handful of paperwork. I gazed in amazement at the smile on her face. The hat she wore looked appropriately fashionable and exceptionally flattering on her.

After a few minutes of small talk, our conversation took a more serious turn as we began discussing her treatments. She shared the most difficult part for her was the sheer exhaustion and lack of energy she was experiencing. She went on to describe her frustration with finding it difficult simply to function - especially the days right after treatment.

On one such day, feeling the need to get out of the house she decided to drive to the store. She pulled into a parking spot. Her energy completely spent and her spirit totally frustrated, she leaned her head against the steering wheel. Tears flowing as she fought back the urge to give up. She felt so alone and discouraged.

Out of the corner of her eye she became aware of a man watching her. He appeared to be an employee of the store, so she paid little attention. A few minutes later, he had made his way over to her car and gently tapped on her window. Armed with a kind smile, he motioned to a piece of paper in his hand. On the paper he had simply written, "Your hair?" She wiped her tears and in response mouthed the word "chemo". He turned the paper over to write another message. Compassionate, understanding eyes watched as she read the words, "It will grow back," and with a smile he walked away.

A sense of renewed hope saturated her depleted body and soul. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God had used this willing human vessel to share His message of strength and hope when she most desperately needed it.

We are placed here on this earth for a specific purpose for such a time as this. Our broken, fractured world needs the message of hope that we as children of the living God who have been saved by His matchless grace have been given to share. Resist the temptation to hold back out of fear when God places it on your heart to act in such a way that blesses, encourages, or uplifts, someone He puts into your path. You may never know the incredible impact of God's powerful love through your obedient act of Spirit-led courage.

"Lord, transform my heart to love like you. Give me Your eyes of compassion to recognize souls in need of a reminder that You love them beyond measure. Help me to be a vessel that reveals Your true existence in the simplest of miracles to bring about the greatest of change. I I ask these things in Your matchless name, Amen."

“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7