Knowledge and Grief

Darkness. Mena jolted awake, jumping up off the prickly grass. Where was he? “Is anyone there?†he called out to the emptiness. Silence responded. A memory flashed inside him, of the recent burning anger when he’d yelled, “No one cares! Nothing makes a difference! It’s all a waste of time.†Now he was alone. Sweat trickled down his face. “Oh Jesus, help me,” he prayed. “What’s happening? Am I in hell?”

“No,†echoed a warm voice, startling him. “Humans are often deceived into believing that their actions are worthless. But God wastes nothing. Acts of kindness, faithfulness, trusting in Jesus, suffering for Him…God enables His children to do all these things, and through them He demonstrates His love to the world. Watch. Have faith.â€

An image of Mena as a child running up to a lonely boy appeared above him. “Let’s play together!†his younger self said, then disappeared, creating a spark in the sky.

“Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll always love you,†his ten-year-old self whispered, hugging his father after Mom left unexpectedly. The memory evaporated, leaving a light shining above him. Mena watched more forgotten memories take shape. The people he’d helped, the kind words he’d spoken, illuminated the sky. Memories of defending others, of sharing smiles and laughter, shimmered as a beacon of light. Maybe it hadn’t been a waste of time after all.

“You believed in Jesus’s message, acting on it in a broken, damaged world. It was never you accomplishing these good works, but God was doing good through you, bringing love and hope to people who needed it—people just as broken as you. This is a glimmer of God’s amazing love for us all. He sent Jesus for you, to heal the rift between you and Him. Now you get to be part of sharing His good news. Never give up hope, Mena. Even if no one else notices or cares about what you do, God does. You are His precious child. He loves you now and forever.â€

Mena sobbed as the stars shone around him. When the tears stopped, his heart was lighter. “God,†he whispered. “Thank you for reminding me that what I do matters because of you.†The stars spun around and disappeared into daylight. • Cindy Lee

• Can you think of a time you felt like your actions didn’t matter?

• Consider asking God to bring to mind moments when you shined His light to other people.

“But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.†John 3:21 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Ps.4.8|Amos.6.12|Matt.7.13-Matt.7.14|Jas.1.12|Eccl.1.18