Just a cup of cold water …

“And if you give even a cup of cold water …”

Matthew 10:42 New Living Translation

The road of life is often a journey of dust, despondency and isolation. We’re beaten down, smacked down and often ‘down on our luck.’ It can be a difficult trip with few rest areas provided. The sun beats down relentlessly on our downturned heads.

Even a cup of cold water could be the refreshing that keeps us going. Just a cup of water!

It surprises us at how quickly we respond to a little kindness, a genuine show of interest. Even a smile from a stranger can ease a heavy burden. These are signs that we are not alone.

In the Old Testament, Job’s life has reached its lowest point. Family and material wealth have been stripped from him. Even his ‘comforters’ offer none.

In his response to their accusations, feeling abandoned by both earth and apparently heaven, he makes a profound statement about the human condition. “Though its roots have grown old in the earth and its stump decays, at the scent of water it will bud and sprout again like a new seedling.” Job 14:8,9 New Living Translation

 Around me today are multitudes of fellow-travelers with old roots and decayed stumps. I may not be able to offer them a new irrigation system … maybe not even a full cup of cold water. But they should be able to catch the scent of living water from my life.

The Apostle Paul, writing from a prison cell shortly before his martyrdom spoke fondly of a ‘refresher’ named Onesiphorus. Don’t weary yourself trying to pronounce his name … just notice his ministry to Paul.

“May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me.”

II Timothy 1:16-18 New Living Translation

 Remember, you are privileged to be given the task of refreshing others … easing their burden … making their journey a bit easier. No special education is required. No formal training. Just an overflow of the love God continually shows you.

Take great joy is delivering encouragement and hope to someone today!

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