Simple Seed and Love

I've been feeling very much like a wilted flower lately. I want to share something encouraging with you, because I know it will encourage me as well.

As most of you know, I had some huge family problems this Christmas break. But that's not the focus of this story. The focus is the faithfulness of my Lord and Savior!

When I was 15, I participated in a Christmas card program for US troops. I sent off a bunch of cards, writing about things I liked and wishing those who received it a very Merry Christmas. Both my parents were in the military, so I understood what it would be like to be away from family during holidays.

Well, I remember getting 2 letters back. One was from a guy who I thought was creepy and the other from a young Air Force guy. Thinking back, he wrote a really nice letter. He talked about how Jesus was the best person in his life. I was taken back by it and never wrote back. I hated God and Jesus at the time. I was into some really nasty stuff.

I remember throwing out the creepy guy's letter, but I kept the other one. In fact, I still have it, 12 years later. I would often read those lines he wrote about Jesus over and over.

I became a Christian 3 months shy of turning 20. I began writing the guy letters to tell him how he planted that seed. After all, it was the first time that I had ever heard about having a relationship with God! Every letter I wrote was eventually returned to me. He had moved on.

I used the phone book and military locators to no success. I gave up. I had been anxious to tell this person what the Lord had done in my life. I had guessed I would just have to wait until I got to heaven.

Again, this Christmas, the person came to mind. This time I tried Facebook and would you believe it? He was on Facebook. I found him and prayed about what to write. I had so much to say! I couldn't wait to tell him about this 12 year old letter. I wondered what his reaction would be.

Praise God his reaction was positive and now we can keep in contact. (He and his wife are going into missions in the next few years).

It's it just amazing what God can do? How he can take a few words that we might seem would have no power and bring to tug a person's heart towards the Father? How much does the Father love us to inspire someone to write someone he (or she) has never met about His Son. I am forever grateful to our Lord for it!

So, with this Valentine's Day, I encourage you to love someone and tell them about God's saving grace! You'll never know what kind of heart your words will seep into. After all, Jesus did not give us the "Great Suggestion..."