Church hurt is awful. If you’ve ever experienced it, you know what I mean.
I’ve recently been in one of those seasons — the kind that leaves you weary and broken-hearted. When many people you love and care about are also sad, disillusioned, struggling, confused, or angry. When finger-pointing is rampant and people disappoint you on a level you didn’t know was possible. When your eyes are irritated with their own planks.
Humans are so human, and we sure can make a mess of things.
We flail around trying to handle life and all it hurls at us in our own strength, only to realize eventually that self-reliance is folly. We forget that our battles are not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. We have a hard time remembering to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. If we remembered this, then we would have everything we need — truth, righteousness, peace, faith, our salvation, and God’s Word — to resist evil and stand firm. (See Ephesians 6:10-18 NASB.) As this passage teaches, spiritual warfare requires spiritual weapons.
I’m finding now, as I’ve discovered so many times before, that when we come to the end of our abilities, experience, and wisdom – to the end of ourselves – there’s room for God to show up and do what only He can do. Frequently, He will teach us something we need to learn. Sometimes, He’ll bring physical healing. And, in some cases, when you least expect it, He’ll work through people to encourage you when you’re at your lowest.
He did this for me just a few weeks ago when a text popped up on my phone, alerting me to a $10 Venmo notification with a note that read, “Coffee on me—love you <3”
A simple gesture paired with five words and a heart emoji. That little gift from a friend spoke volumes. It wasn’t only about receiving a cup of coffee — it was about being noticed, valued, and loved. It was a gentle nudge to stop focusing on the circumstances I found myself in and to remember that God is at work no matter how I feel, regardless of the tempest engulfing me.
In this unexpected moment, God whispered a sweet truth to my heart: “If a friend notices your need and cares enough to respond, how much more do I see you? How much more do I love you?”
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:8, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” That gift card was tangible proof of God’s attentive love, delivered through the kindness of a friend. Her ten-dollar gift far exceeded its actual value because of the message it conveyed, one I desperately needed: I am with you in this storm. You are not alone.
The brokenness in our church and in my own heart wasn’t suddenly mended, but for a brief moment, I caught a glimpse of God’s love for me.
When the world is reeling all around you, centering on God and His Word brings calm and clarity. God cares for even the smallest details of our lives. Remember Luke 12:6-7? Even a sparrow is not forgotten by God — and we are worth far more than sparrows. If He knows every hair on our heads, He certainly knows when our hearts are tired and our spirits need refreshment.
The unexpected Venmo reminded me of something else, too: God often uses people as vessels of His love. Whether or not she knew it, my friend’s simple act of generosity was a holy assignment. 1 John 4:12 (NIV) says, “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” My friend was doing important kingdom work — allowing God’s love to flow through her to encourage me.
Ever since I received that $10 cup of kindness, I’ve been asking myself, Who needs a reminder of God’s love today? Because it doesn’t take much — a small gift card, a handwritten note, even a quick text — to reflect the heart of God.
Maybe you’re in a weary season, too, and you could use today’s reminder: God sees you. He cares for you. And He will provide for you in unexpected ways, maybe even through the kindness of a friend..
This truth isn’t new. We’ve known it for centuries: Sometimes, the smallest gifts carry the biggest messages. After all, Jesus came as a baby, right?
I was awake before the alarm as in way before it was due to go off. After tossing & turning asking Why am I awake this early? The Spirit nudged me to ask a different question. “who am I awake for?” Then began a peaceful time in prayer for my friends’ twin granddaughters being delivered this morning, the friend starting chemo, the neighbor facing multiple medical tests, the Sunday school prep being done for this coming week for the class I expected to teach until I lost my sight in May ..whoever else God brought to heart & mind. I hate waking early but God redeems the time & I will be dropping cards in the mail to those folks I prayed for to encourage them as praying for them encouraged me. Thanks for sharing your experience, Robin, that I could be inspired to practical action! Blessings (((0))
Oooo, Ruth! I love it when the Holy Spirt draws you into prayer like that. (and thank you for your words of encouragement <3.)
I’ve made my contact list. Thank you, Robin, for the reminder! It is text time before I leave for work.
Madeline,
Sweet word gifts await! You’ve reminded me to get cracking this morning :D.
Thanks so much for this encouragement Robin! Praying for your hurt to heal and for others. Am reminded of this – Just. Be. Kind. And this from long ago – WWJD Hugs and prayers ❤️