Never Give Up on Anybody

Recently, my pastor-husband received a joyful phone call from a young woman who had attended one of his churches some years ago.

They had studied the Bible together in preparation for baptism.

However, there were some issues in her life that held her back, and before she followed through with her decision to be baptized, she moved to a different city some three hours’ drive away from our church. After supporting her with encouragement and prayers, I was disappointed with this development, and while my husband and friends from our church stayed in contact with her, I did not go out of my way to keep in touch other than sharing a friendly greeting when she occasionally came to visit our church. Imagine my surprise and joy when she shared during her recent phone call that her issues were resolved and she was now ready for baptism.

I was also humbled and encouraged by her call. It humbled me that while I had been quick to think she had not been serious regarding her walk with the Lord, He had been with her all the time, patiently waiting, nudging, and helping her make the right decisions.

This experience helped me realize that I too easily limit God’s power to work on people’s hearts and too quickly cease to pray, which ultimately leads to giving up on people.

It was encouraging to witness God’s patience and longsuffering for His human children despite the many detours they may take. Just imagine reading Jacob’s story without already knowing the end. Who would have thought that with all his cheating and constantly looking out for his own advantage, he would one day surrender his life to God, asking for nothing but His blessing? Or think of King Nebuchadnezzar in his power and pride.

Would you ever imagine him as a candidate for the kingdom of God? But in the end, he humbly and gratefully acknowledged the King of heaven, praising and glorifying Him “because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37, NIV). Have you been praying for the conversion of someone close to you? Are you discouraged with how things are developing? Never give up hope, and do not cease to pray. God is at work!

Frauke Gyuroka