«So let’s not get tired of doing what is good.  At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up» (Galatians 6:9). 

At the bus depot of a nearby city there’s a parcel service office. When I arrived at the place where the box I had been sent was kept, the man who assisted me was in a very bad mood. He treated his employees rudely and was clearly bothered by my arrival. While he looked over my file, I imagined he was going through a difficult situation and was sorry for having forgotten the missionary books I had set aside to give away.

I had been praying over that box for days and was afraid it wouldn’t be there anymore, so while I thanked God for having cared for it, I prayed for that man as well.

The following day, I had to go and get another box. I went to the same place, but the man was more at ease. He kindly asked his employee to help me and, while I thanked him, I took out a book I had remembered to bring with me that time. He held it in his hands, clumsily opened the cover and leafed through a few pages without looking at them, because he was very nervously trying to hold back the tears that began falling down his cheeks. “Thank you. Seriously, thanks,” he said. “You don’t know how much I needed it. My wife is going through a very serious health problem, and…” he was able to say that much before his voice broke.

I spoke to him about God’s love, the promise of His presence and the hope we have when we believe in Him. I assured him I ‘d be praying for them, and after a while he calmed down and began smiling again.

How would I know that man was in such great need of words of encouragement at that moment? I didn’t, but God knows.

We all go through hard times. Treating someone impatiently can hide a huge sadness. A simple act of kindness can unveil a great need. Let’s always be willing to do good. In that same letter, Paul tells those in Galatia to bear each other’s burdens (verse 2).

God wants to use us all the time to reach other people because He… He does know. He can lift other people’s burdens off their shoulders through us.

Pay attention to the hidden needs of people you come in contact with today.