Isaiah 50:4 – The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. (KJV)

I felt strongly led to visit Kathy on our way to Oregon. She was the youngest daughter of my friend Lillian, who had lived across the street from me. I had watched Lillian's eight other children grow up and had tried to win them to Jesus. Even after the family moved away, after the parents began to walk with Jesus, I longed to be involved in their lives.

Kathy was born much later, and I had met her only once, when she was about sixteen. Later, her mother wrote that she was a true Christian and had married a fine young man who was in the Air Force. Now they lived in Idaho, and we would pass near their home on our vacation trip. I had talked to Kathy on the telephone, and our friendship was growing. But was it really worth stopping to see her on this long trip? What could I say that would help her?

We didn't have time to stay overnight, but she sent directions. We got there early, so she invited us to stay for supper to meet her husband. With their three small children clamouring for attention, it was a noisy, busy afternoon, not what I usually seek on a long trip.

But there was a wonderful spiritual fellowship between Kathy and myself. I sensed her hunger to know more of Christ and her eagerness to have some good Christian literature to read. Even my husband didn't complain, although he likes to get to a motel in the afternoon and to have a nap after a long drive.

It was more than a simple visit. It had eternal consequences. Since then, I have had several deep conversations with Kathy, and we have sometimes prayed for others over the telephone. She has grown spiritually, and I have also. Now she wants to take a Bible correspondence course and learn more about walking with Jesus. She is like the daughter I never had.

I don't know what more God will do in her life or mine, but I'm so glad we stopped to visit Kathy on that hot summer day. It was in the plan of God.

Prayer: Father, help us to listen when You direct us to take time to visit someone. It may not be convenient or easy, but eternal things might be accomplished. Help us to speak Your words with love, that they may strengthen others along their paths. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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