Decades ago I studied a Bible college course exploring the biblical Book of Revelation. Part of that book spoke of the deaths of godly witnesses and notes that those from 鈥渢he peoples, tribes, tongues and nations鈥� will see their bodies. To a person, we were baffled. Death? That we recognized but the whole world viewing the bodies? What we didn鈥檛 know was that decades later the Internet as well as universal and real-time television and hand-held mobile devices, would be as common as were our radios.
Nowadays that situation wouldn鈥檛 even raise an eyebrow. Easy, peasy, we鈥檇 say and we truly are blessed to have access to resources such as telephone, the Internet, Skype and a host of other options. What isn鈥檛 always acknowledged, however, is the deep sense of loneliness that pervades society. In spite of all our advanced resources and services, so many are still feeling alone and it鈥檚 a sense of isolation that money, busyness or prestige alone can鈥檛 assuage.聽
Today I experienced both a direct answer to prayer and the perfect example of what a simple act of kindness can mean. I woke this morning to an almost overwhelming sense of loneliness; after asking the Lord to provide encouragement, I went about my day鈥檚 work. That work included a trip to the grocery store where I met friends I haven鈥檛 seen in a few months. Long story short, we had tea together and I came home heartened.
All day I thought of so many who, like me, need someone to come along side and offer friendship and encouragement. Bringing friendship closer than, as my friend put it, 鈥渢he end of the church sidewalk鈥� is now a priority.
鈥淭wo are better than one鈥f they fall, one will lift up his companion鈥�.鈥� Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Who needs your friendship, company and encouragement this week?
