Inspire!

There is a story about a homeless man named Tom who has had a rough life. He suffered from addictions and was in and out of many shelters. Finally, one night Tom found himself at a worship service and he had a conversion experience. After that night, his whole life turned around. He signed up for a program at a shelter that helped him get his act together. He worked hard and eventually became one of the helpers in the shelter. Everyone grew to love Tom.

Well over time, a new resident named Jim came into the program. As Jim got to know Tom and hear his story, he too decided that he wanted to become a Christian. At the evening worship service after the sermon, Jim told the pastor, “I want to be just like Tom.” The pastor corrected him, “Don’t you mean you want to be just like Jesus?” Jim responded, “Is he like Tom?”

I remember my friend Roger Kunkle saying, “You are the only Bible that some people will ever read!” It is so true, isn’t it? I hope that when people look at our lives, they will see something in us that inspires!

Let us pray: Loving God, Help us to live our lives in such a way that we are a blessing to you and a blessing to others. We pray today for people who are in struggling just to cope. Surround them with your mercy, grace, and love. Grant them, and each of us, the courage and strength we need to face the moment. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.