Recently, I had the following exchange on Facebook with a young lady:

I commented on something she posted: “What you’ve done with your life in the last 30 years or so is a blessing to those who know you.”

She replied: “Thank you David. It started with you getting involved in my life.”

I told her: “That makes me feel wonderful. Thanks.”

I won’t go into the details or mention any names, but back in the mid-1980’s this lady was a troubled teenager. My daughter knew her through the church youth group, but I’d never met her before.

One morning (it could have been evening—I don’t remember for sure), she was by herself after the service when almost everybody had left, and she was acting very strangely. My daughter was concerned about her, so I joined in trying to minister to her. As we talked, it came out that she’d spent several hours that morning wandering in a local park trying to decide how to commit suicide.

I have no background or expertise in dealing with such things. All I knew to do was put my arms around her and love her. She needed to know that she had worth and that someone loved her, which is what my daughter and I tried to show her.

Someone else came into the sanctuary while we were talking to this young lady. I don’t remember who it was, but this person suggested that a ministry called Teen Challenge could help her. This was the first time I’d heard of it.

We took her home and talked to her mother, who didn’t know what to do for her but was very appreciative of our help. I mentioned the Teen Challenge suggestion to her, and before long, the young lady was a resident at their facility. She had a rough time, bouncing in and out of the place several times before that ministry seemed to get through to her.

Over the years, she and I lost touch with each other until we became Facebook friends. I learned that she has her life very much in order and that Jesus is firmly rooted at the center of it.

I always thought my part in this woman’s life was pretty minor. In fact, I had no idea what had happened to her. Until the exchange above, I had no idea I’d been of any real importance to her. I can’t begin to explain what that exchange meant to me.

Any change in her life was made by Jesus. I was just an instrument in His plan for her, but knowing how she viewed the tiny part I’d played in her life was one of the most edifying experiences I’ve ever had. I thank Jesus for allowing me to be used in this way.

Whenever you have an opportunity to invest yourself in the life of another person, jump at it. You have no idea how far-reaching your participation might be. You might help deliver an alcoholic or drug addict from addiction. You might help stop someone from committing suicide. You might even help lead someone out of the hands of Satan and into the arms of Jesus.

You never know.

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If you abide in Me and My word abides in you, then you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.

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For more information about David N. Walker, click the “About” tab above.

For more information about his books, click on “Books” above.

Contact him at dnwalkertx (at) gmail (dot) com or tweet him at @davidnwalkertx.