Recently, I discovered an upcoming milestone.
In about six months, I will have sent out ten years’ worth of text messages. Now, I’ve been texting longer than that, of course. But I decided to start sending daily messages of encouragement to our church. Well, almost daily I’d send some quick word to a small group of people. Before long, that group grew.
What I’m telling you today is a testimony, not an advertisement. The number of people we send these messages to has grown over the years because people share them. I’ve heard of people forwarding them to family and friends. I’ve read them on Facebook and Instagram. It’s always a blessing for me to know they’ve been helpful in some way to somebody.
Last night, I received that blessing again. I was with a group of people mourning the death of a beloved family member. After a time of prayer and sharing, I had a chance to visit with a few of them. One of them told me they receive those messages.
Truthfully, I would not have guessed this person signed up to receive these messages. I surely wouldn’t think they gave them much thought. What a lesson I received. This person told me they stay connected through these daily messages. Since the passing of their loved one, a couple of them have been particularly meaningful.
Now, again, I’m not highlighting a ministry. Instead, I’m affirming what scripture teaches us. The texts I send draw from the wisdom of the Bible. Over the last almost ten years, I’ve wondered if I should keep sending them. Last night, that person’s word was an encouragement for me to hold on to the words of 2 Timothy 4:2. Proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching.
You may not send texts, but I bet there’s something you do as a ministry. Do you ever tire from it? Ever wonder if it matters? I bet it does. May God encourage our hearts to continue to be persistent for each other.
Stay blessed…john
