“So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith” – 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2
In the 1970’s, Audrey Hunt was teaching music appreciation at a California Community College. One of her students was named Edward. He was a withdrawn young man. “As weeks progressed and tests were given, Edward did not do well” she remembers. “He managed to turn in homework which was marked way below his ability level with my notes. He never participated in the class discussions or offered to answer any questions.
To my knowledge, he had no friends at school. Edward missed too many classes and when he did come, he carried himself like an old man as though he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders.”
At the end of the term, students individually met with Audrey as she explained their grades. When Edward arrived, he was late and looked terrible.
“I know that I'm getting a low grade on my final” Edward said. “I realize that I haven't been participating in class and that I am an embarrassment to others. I'm a lazy, selfish, stupid and an ugly no-good-for-anything person. I have no place on this earth and what’s more, no one can ever love a person like me. I am a hopeless case with absolutely no future.”
Audrey listened and said: “Edward, your final grade is an A”. His reaction was one of total and complete surprise. “You are giving me an A? Me? Why would you give me an A when I did such a poor job in class, on my assignments, and on my final exam. Why would you do that?”
My answer to Edward was this. “You may appear to be a D student, but you are an A person. I believe in you now and I will always believe in you. I am here for you now and I will always be here for you. Never, ever forget that. Now, go and create the life you dream of. Believe in yourself. I will be watching. And by the way Edward - I love you.”
In all of her years of teaching, Audrey had never graded a student this way.
That night at 3:00 a.m. the phone rang. The man said: “I am a priest from Edwards’ Church and I have something to tell you.” I want to thank you on be-half of Edward’s family and myself for saving his life today.” Edward had planned to commit suicide after his meeting with Audrey and had left a note. It was her encouraging words that changed his life.
We all need encouragement to grow in the love of Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the encouragement you have received and seek to encourage others in following the Lord.
“Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement - and we will make the goal.” – Robert Collier
God’s Word: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25
By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2019, Devotional E-Mail
DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS