AN AMAZING STORY

Never underestimate the small things you do for others—or the compassion and help you extend to someone in need. As I was studying to teach a class, I was reviewing history and came across an amazing story of God’s intervention—that is still a good reminder today. It also reveals the heart of a good leader. 

It was a cold and bitter Virginia evening as an elderly man waited on a path by a river—hoping and longing for someone on a horse to carry him across. His body had grown numb and his beard was glazed with frost before he heard the thunder of horses’ hooves in the distance. 

The story went that the elderly man watched as the first few riders passed, without even making an effort to get anyone’s attention…….till the last rider remained in sight. As this final man drew near, the elderly man caught his eye and asked, “Sir, would you mind giving me a ride to the other side?” 

The rider not only helped the man onto his horse, but decided to take him all the way home which was several miles out of the way. He noticed he was extremely cold and needed help. The horseman asked the elderly man why he didn’t ask any of the other riders to help him. He told the horseman that he had lived for a long time and knew people pretty well—and that as he looked into their eyes and saw they had no concern for his condition, he knew it was useless to ask for help. The elderly man told the horseman that when he looked into his eyes, he saw compassion and kindness.

It was noted at the door of the elderly man’s house….the rider on that horse made a decision—that he would never get too busy in his own affairs that he would fail to respond to the needs of others. With that decision, Thomas Jefferson returned and directed his horse back to the White House.

May we never get too busy with our own affairs that we fail to respond to the needs of others. 

I have heard this saying for many years—don’t know who said it first—but it is still a great reminder for all:

People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care….

“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2).

I thank God that Jesus is coming back again—for His Bride—not just taking us to the other side, but bringing us home to spend eternity with Him. May the Lord bless you this Christmas season. Extend love, sow grace and mercy, and cultivate a heart of compassion like Jesus. 

Pray Psalm 51:7: “Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” 

God bless you.

Deborah Starczewski

BOOKS BY DEBORAH STARCZEWSKI:

A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days At The Mercy Seat)…. a modern day resurrection story—that will keep you turning the pages, and increase your faith to believe God for anything.

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (Will America Turn Back To God?)

GOD’S PRICELESS TREASURE (How To Overcome Challenges, Be Transformed, And Know Your Purpose)….learn how to move from drama to destiny. 

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.