Day 6

A TEACHER AND A WITNESS

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Elaine and her husband had lived in their cottage in the village for many years. Both were dedicated Christians and spoke freely of their faith at every opportunity but nothing they did or said seemed to influence any of their friends. Sometimes they felt discouraged and wondered if they were of any use to the Lord. At other times they asked themselves where they were going wrong. Yet they were loved and appreciated by all except the one or two who considered them odd.

Then one day life changed dramatically. Their younger son became ill and died, leaving a wife and a small baby. They could not explain why God had allowed it but conviction told them he had not changed. Three months later the factory where Joe worked closed down and he was left with no prospect of employment. Things were hard but they managed and clung on to David's conviction (Psalm 37:25).

Unbeknown to them some of the villagers began to notice their reactions and were amazed at their faith. Nothing seemed to dent their joy. But that wasn't the end of the story. Two years later Joe was killed by a drunken driver late at night as he returned home. Elaine was devastated. "One day", she confided to a close friend, "God will put all this right. Oh for Christ's return!" Her comment spread around the village and two of those who had shunned Elaine and Joe started to take Bible studies. They were followed in baptism by several more over the next few years.

It's not easy to live with tragedy and opposition. Read Romans 8:28-39 and compare with Jesus' words in John 15:17-27.