Encouraged

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On Wednesday, my study group was over. We typically read the Bible,  read a section from a book called, 'Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing' and pray. Sometimes, I share a story. Yesterday, I shared one called, 'Unanswered Letters'. It was about a man who had lost one arm, the use of his legs and on his "good" hand, he only had one finger and his thumb. He was discouraged, because he couldn't really do anything anymore, but wanted to do something to help other people. He started thinking about writing  letters to people who were shut-in like himself. He thought of writing to prisoners. His mind was still brilliant; he had a lot to share. He contacted a Christian ministry and began painstakingly writing letters twice a week. Only thing was-he wouldn't receive any responses since it was against the rules of the prison. He put everything he had, his whole heart into writing. He eventually became discouraged as it was so physically challenging for him. Finally, he did receive a response from a guard that was in charge of censoring the mail. The guard said that he needed to use the most expensive paper he could buy, since his letters were passed from cell to cell until they literally fell apart.

This story really spoke to me. Here was this man. He was disabled and had so many reasons to give up or to feel like God couldn't or wouldn't use him. And yet God still used him. Still had work for him to do. He gave it his all, not receiving any feedback. What he did was not easy for him--it hurt to write those letters, but he struggled to write faithfully. Finally, he saw what his efforts were accomplishing--how God was using him to bless those who were shut away in that dark place. This also spoke to me because I have been writing to prisoners through a Christian ministry and have been on the verge of quitting because I have a really hard time writing. I'm now having second thoughts about quitting, thinking instead that maybe God wants me to continue reach out to these people.

So I was inspired by the story of this man with so little, giving so much, in tough circumstances.
I am constantly amazed by how the Lord will stick with us, in times of discouragement, and gently lead us out. He has a thousand ways to provide, for all our needs, of which we know nothing. Even the need to be encouraged; to be reminded. As He provides for us, we can then take that and give it to others.


en·cour·age  (n-kûrj, -kr-)
tr.v. en·cour·aged, en·cour·ag·ing, en·cour·ag·es
1. To inspire with hope, courage, or confidence; hearten.
2. To give support to; foster.
3. To stimulate; spur.



You can make a difference to people in prison. Be a friend, an encourager, a light. Bring someone hope. Here is a link to the ministry I write through- http://www.someonecares.org/


Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 27, 2012 at 10:15 PM

    Thanks for the reminder, Johanna. It is indeed important to write those who are incarcerated. Recently, I received an encouraging letter from the family of the man who, while driving intoxicated, was responsible for taking the life of my close friend.

    His family mentioned that he is doing talks for local high schools regarding the life-altering consequences of driving under the influence. He is using my friend's life and his experience as a primary example.

    I was delighted to hear that maybe someone's life may be potentially spared because of this young man's testimony. As you encouraged, I am committed to staying in touch with both he and his family throughout his incarceration. Thanks for the good word. Mark S.(Hopeful Voyage)

    ReplyDelete
  2. JohannaNovember 30, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    I think it's wonderful that you are showing grace and support to the young man (and his family) responsible for the death of your friend. That must make a huge difference for them. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousDecember 1, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    Your welcome. Also, as a correction or clarification, it is his family who are doing the talks while he contributes via video or letters to the audience.

    ReplyDelete

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