“At different times when we have talked,” Stan began, “I have mentioned different people who have had an impact on me and my faith walk.”
Continuing, he said, “It started with some neighbors who really reached out to me with the truth of the gospel.”
“Yes, I remember you mentioning them,” I replied. “Must have been nice to have neighbors like that.”
“I can’t think of a more neighborly thing to do than to help another person know with assurance the truth of spending eternity with God when it’s time.”
“In addition to them,” Stan added, “there have been a whole bunch of people who have helped me along the path towards greater spiritual maturity. It hasn’t been a smooth path, but there have been numerous people who have come along to help.”
“Again,” I responded, “it’s great to have that kind of people to help on the journey from conversion towards transformation.”
“Absolutely!” Stan replied. I often think about where I would be without those people. And, earlier this morning, I was reminded of them again.”
“How so?” I asked.
“I was reading the letter to the Hebrews,” Stan replied. The writer reminded me to remember each person who has had an impact, from the beginning all along the path.”
“So,” I replied, “you were reminded to remember. Did you do anything specific about it?”
“I did,” Stan said. “And I can assure you that it was one of the most impactful things I have done for some time.”
“In what way?” I asked.
“I took the time right then, in the middle of my morning journaling,” Stan replied, “to remember each one as well as I could. I remembered and I wrote about each one in my journal.”
Continuing, he added, “I asked the Holy Spirit to bring to my mind each person and what role that person played in my faith walk. It was a powerful exercise. I remembered them. I thanked God for them and their obedience. I prayed for each one that they would continue to be fruitful.”
“That must have taken quite a bit of time,” I said.
“It did,” Stan replied, “but it was worth every minute of it, to be reminded of God’s faithfulness in bringing His people to do what He wanted to do in and through me by using them. Powerful!”
Concluding, he said, “I would recommend that you, my friend, do the same. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring to your mind each person who has had an impact on you, not only for your eternal destination, but for your faith walk on this side. Remember them, thank God for them, pray for them. Imitate them.
___________________________________
Remember those who led you, and spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for those people you brought into my life who shared with me the truth of your provision for both sides of eternity. Thank you they went out of their way in obedience to you to bring me to accept your free gift of salvation, along with the truth of what you have for me to be and to do in working out that salvation on this side of eternity. I confess that too often I do not take the time to remember those people with the thanksgiving that is deserved. Please forgive me. And please, Father, lead me exactly as you want in remembering and imitating those people. Lead, and help me to follow your lead. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Remembering who impacted your life and eternal destination is important. Are there people for you to remember? Do you remember them? Have you thanked God for bringing them into your life? Are you living out your salvation in a way that others may be led to thank God for bringing you into their lives? What would it look like to do so?
Waiting for the Train 