Originally published Wednesday, 29 April 2015.
Memory Verses: Lamentations 3:23; Exodus 14:14
There is power in the unseen acts of a friend.
Not so long ago, I had been delivered soul-crushing news.
News that gave me a new revelation of the past.
News that made me wonder if I was still good, worthy and valuable.
It made me see myself in a new light. It was I-don't-know-if-I-can-handle-it type news.
I knew God says, “They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lam. 3:23)
But, did God really have faithfulness stored in this?
It seemed this news, this turmoil, and this trouble now excluded me from His promises.
Attempting to push past feelings, I called out to God with all my heart, saying, “Come Lord. Save me in this situation. Heal me and help me.”
Shockingly, as I drove up my driveway later that morning, something caught my eye. A white as snow gift-wrapped box leaned against my garage door.
I couldn’t find a name, but when I opened it and was awe-struck with its contents. What it contained inside changed my entire perspective.
It was as if the very heart of God was delivered to me in a box. It was as if a giant hug and a note of his faithfulness was sent.
Inside lay a picture frame with the words, “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Ex. 14:14)
These words were the exact message that I needed; they healed my heart and spoke to the depths of my pain. I was touched by God, but I was so deeply touched by the love poured out by a friend.
She had been used as an angel of God that day.
She never sought recognition or acclaim.
She had no idea of my pain, but did a nice act all the same.
What she probably doesn't know is that this act meant all the difference. It changed my vision.
It wasn't about her recognition or acclaim. She had no knowledge regarding my issue - but, all the same, she offered a gesture of love. Love that was sacrificial, that took her time, that used her money, but that healed a heart.
I was brought to my knees. I was touched. I felt so loved.
I don't know who this woman is. I may never know. But, what I do know is that God has special rewards for her in heaven. I also know that she taught me a lesson in friendship that day.
She makes me wonder:
Do I go out of my way to make small acts of love?
Do I give my time and money intentionally?
Do I see the friend who is likely hurting?
Do I shower them with advice or do I love them under the radar?
This friend inspires me to love through the power of God. Because friends are often the messengers of God's faithfulness. I want to deliver Jesus' messages.
Small acts of kindness do matter and love does conquers all. Friends are the best vehicles for his love, mercy and grace. They drive his truth home in our hearts.
Small acts of kindness matter; they completely transform lives.
“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” - C.S. Lewis
“The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.” - C.S. Lewis
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