Words Matter

“Hey Rusty, remember me?” the text began. I couldn’t place the name, but it seemed familiar.

“I’m visiting Ohio for my father’s funeral…” he explained. “This morning the Lord reminded me that years ago, right here in this city, He used you to teach me how to pray the scriptures and to embrace the gift of the Holy Spirit. I’d love to connect and talk if you’re available.” Well, that made me curious.

“I took an 8-week class you taught back in spring of 2001, remember? You gave me some advice: ‘Turn off the radio on your drive home and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you…’”

Funny -- I have no memory of teaching that class, but telling someone to turn off the car radio and ask the Holy Spirit to speak sounds like something I’d say, as I’ve said it many times. I guess it must have been me!

“Making room for His voice is something I’ve practiced to this day” he said. “I’m now a pastor in a small church in California, living a missional life with my family for more than 20 years.” He sent a few pictures that jogged my memory, so I knew we had met before.

“I just want to encourage you. Your life and the seeds you’ve sown in me and countless others are still bearing good fruit.” That unexpected encouragement really touched me. I guess my tank was low. Your words matter, Rus, I sensed the Lord affirm.

A few days later, going through some old boxes, I found some thoughts I had written for my son, Ian, more than a decade ago. They were a typed letter and a prayer. Truth is, I barely remember writing them, but as I read, I could still feel the life on them. Even better, I can see that life growing and maturing in Ian. I hadn’t fully noticed before, but here I was seeing prayers answered right before my eyes.

In those early days, I fashioned prayers for the kids and put them in plastic frames, hoping to give them a model of what they might pray to God. They contained the substance of what I’d been asking the Father on their behalf.

I snapped a picture and sent it to Ian, saying, “Hey Ian, remember this prayer from years ago? I’ve prayed it something like a thousand times.”

“Wow, yes!” he answered, “I actually still have it memorized.”

That blew me away. Memorized? It was lost to time for me, but to him it was still alive. “You have it memorized?” I said, “Amazing!

Again, Your words matter sounded on the inside.

I did get together with my California friend, and his brother. For a couple of hours, we warmed the relationship while walking a bike path around a nearby lake. Catching up on the last 20 years took some time, but it was so encouraging. We eventually got to the unexpected passing of his father, and the power of the gospel that he shared at the memorial service.

I felt there was more to say, so I asked, “Tell me about your dad.” We sat down at a picnic table and memories poured forth, little stories and sayings, things special only to him. There were no regrets, “Dad and I were current with each other,” he said. There was great comfort in knowing that most of his extended family knew Jesus, largely because of his dad.

“I appreciate you making the time to meet up and talk it out,” he said. “I guess you got more than you bargained for, huh? I just wanted to encourage you, but I think I’m the one receiving the encouragement today.”

“I loved it”, I answered. “God blessed us both today.” The rest of his family gathered around, and it just felt right to pray. I knew that the words spoken in Jesus’ name always matter. I’m fond of saying that, when we pray in Jesus’ name, it’s impossible for nothing to happen. I believe that our words matter when they’re rooted in Him.

We’re going to forget the things God prompts us to say, but He remembers. When our memory fails, He is faithful to bring them to mind. When our words feel lost, He’s able to find each one. The scripture says, … “Let us not become tired with doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.” (Gal. 6:9) Sometimes just speaking simple words of encouragement feels insignificant and small, but….Your words matter.

Outdoor baptisms this month — Outdoor Baptisms this month