During the years that I was married to a wonderful minister, I saw many lives changed for the good. In my memory, I picture the faces of some of these people, but most of all I remember the joy in the hearts of those who stuck by them.
Having been a part of six different churches in six different towns, I saw life enriched in many ways.
It is no different now. One does not have to be on a church staff or married to one in the ministry to be a part of what might be called, “The Days of Our Lives.”
Events and struggles cause people to search for deeper meaning in life. Just when we give up on that person, their anxiety and their helpless search for “something,” God may be wanting us to “hang in there” and help them.
Following is an example of how not giving up made a difference.
A changed life
It was a glorious day when the president of the bank made his way to the pastor’s study early one morning. He was out on bail and ready to commit suicide. His past read like a soap opera.
Toiling to find some meaning in life, he begged his pastor friend to help him.
Help him he did, most of all by being a friend in the months that followed. Another positive force in the banker’s life was the devotion of his wife.
She had stuck by him for years, prayed for him and trusted one day he would change.
Change he did. After serving time in prison he experienced a transformation in his life no one could believe.
His wife, church and many friends never gave up on him. Through internal battles he had learned that his two condos at the beach, large boat and private airplane would not bring him peace.
There was nothing wrong with owning those things, but he had acquired all of them in hopes of filling the vacuum in his life.
How magnificent is grace and the love of those who stand by a person at such a time as this.
How many times have I heard such comments as:
“No point in trying anymore. He is hopeless.”
“She has ruined our lives. We don’t need to keep on allowing her to ruin our family.”
“Either I quit and give up on him, or I will be a basket case.”
Please know that I am aware of the pain that comes with all the hurt that is involved in trying to help people and especially our own loved ones, but it is worth the effort.
Just when there seems to be no answer except retreat, God can help us see the value of a person. We see some kind of divine perspective. If we look hard enough there can be hope in the bottom of the pit.
How many times have I been ready to give up on people? It is hard to work to try and make a difference. My stick-to-itiveness is not always there.
But then I step back and say, “Except for the grace of God, there go I.”
Are you about to give up on someone?
Is your church?
Don’t. A life is worth the risk. You have to take it.
The Alabama Baptist
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