Sometimes, the things we do or say to others can be the difference between them having a bad day or a great day, even between living and dying. This was the case for a young boy who lay in a hospital bed dying from severe burns to his body.
Because this boy was confined to the hospital, a service that provided teachers to help children stay up in their schooling sent him a teacher. When the teacher received the call, she went to see the boy that afternoon. No one had mentioned to her that the boy had been badly burned and was in great pain. Upset at the sight of the boy, she stammered as she told him, “I’ve been sent by your school to help you with nouns and adverbs.” When she left, she felt she hadn’t accomplished much. But the next day, a nurse asked her, “What did you do to that boy?” The teacher felt she must have done something wrong and began to apologize. “No, no,” said the nurse, “you don’t know what I mean. We’ve been worried about that little boy, but ever since yesterday, his whole attitude has changed. He’s fighting back, responding to treatment. It’s as though he’s decided to live.”
Two weeks later, the boy explained that he had completely given up hope until the teacher arrived. Everything changed when he came to a simple realization: “They wouldn’t send a teacher to work on nouns and adverbs with a dying boy, would they?”
Whether we think about it or not, everything we say and do affects others around us, and what we say may be the difference between making someone’s day or ruining it. In the case of this young man, words were the difference between living and giving up hope. The Bible says, “Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad. 26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” – Proverbs 12:25, 26.
In this time of great need, there is no greater word of encouragement than the Word of God. The Apostle Paul reminds us that “whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” – Romans 15:4. The Lord reminds those who are His through His Psalmist: “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.” – Psalm 46:1–7.
Indeed, for those who know Him, these are words that make all the difference in the world. Here are a few other passages for you to contemplate: Psalm 42:5; Psalm 62:5-8; Psalm 63:1-8; Psalm 68:19; 1 John 5:11-13. Perhaps you can encourage someone today in the way you have.
Would you like to know more? Contact us at 425-432-0634 or www.taylorcreekchurch.org. We would love to talk to you about the hope we have in Christ. Join us every Sunday at 9 AM for Sunday School and 10:15 AM for Worship. 21110 244th Ave. S.E., Maple Valley.
