My husband, sister-in-law, and I were out of town for their father’s funeral. The night before, we settled into a nearby hotel and did what all modern, technically limited adults do; we checked our Facebook.
Almost immediately, I noticed a post about an accident near our home. Our daughter lives next door, so I checked in with her.
She was in shock. Three teenage girls were involved in a one-vehicle accident about a half-mile away. In the confusion, neighborhood parents were calling to make sure their kids were safe. Meanwhile, medical helicopters were sitting down, and the parents of the ones in the accident were being located.
The girls were friends of my grandchildren. One, named Summer, was my oldest grandson, Blake’s, girlfriend.
Just a few weeks before, he sat at my kitchen table and talked about beautiful Summer and the fact they had dated for a year. He cared a lot for her. Then, for Christmas, he gave her a promise ring.
The accident happened during the holidays. Sadly, a short time after the horrible event, Summer’s life on this earth ended. It devastated Blake, my other grandchildren, and our small community.
God used Blake during and after the tragedy. He used his youthful personality, his emotions, and his leadership to help the other teens in our town.
At the candlelight service, I watched as he walked around the room, consoling the other kids. He purposely sat next to the young girl who had been driving the vehicle, as if protecting her. He inquired about the third girl, who was hospitalized due to her injuries.
At Summer’s funeral, he greeted the mourners, and during the service, he spoke wise words. He knelt by her elderly grandfather and patted the weeping man’s hand.
Blake’s purpose in the midst of the suffering was to comfort others. Even though he grieved too, he accepted his role and rose to the occasion.
God’s healing presence was evident to others because Blake fulfilled his purpose. During the hardship, his service was needed and appreciated.
Serving God by showing his compassion is the purpose he assigned each of us at the cross. It brings him glory. I pray my family will understand how God wants to use them during both the easy and difficult times in life. I pray I will fulfill the purposes God has for me. I pray the same for you.
“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” Then these righteous ones will reply, “Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?” And the King will say, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” Matthew 25:35-40