Be a beacon of light
A simple conversation in a coffee line leads Leah to rediscover hope, faith, and purpose.
One chilly morning, Sam found himself in a long line at a coffee shop. Ahead of him was a woman, visibly distressed, her eyes red from crying, her posture slumped with the weight of an unseen burden. Sam felt a tug at his heart, a familiar call to share light in the darkness. He believed in the power of everyday interactions.
"Rough morning?" he asked gently. The woman, named Leah, looked up, surprised at the kindness in his eyes. She nodded, tears threatening to spill over again. "My life's just falling apart," she whispered, more to herself than to Sam.
Sam listened as she talked about her job loss, her sense of failure, and her feeling that life had lost its meaning. He didn't interrupt but nodded, offering her the space to unload her heart. When she finished, he shared something simple yet profound.
"I know what it's like to feel lost," Sam began. "But I've found peace through faith in Jesus. He's changed my life, and I believe He can do the same for you if you're open to it."
Leah, who had grown up with no particular faith, was skeptical but too desperate to dismiss the offer of hope. Sam, sensing her hesitance, didn't push. Instead, he gave her a small card with a verse from Matthew 11:28-30, inviting her to a local church service.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
The weeks passed, and Sam didn't see Leah again until one Sunday when she appeared at the back of the church, looking lost in unfamiliar territory. Sam greeted her with a smile, and after the service, they talked. Leah admitted the verse had stayed with her, offering comfort when she was alone at night.
Over time, Leah began to attend regularly. Slowly, she felt the heavy cloak of despair lifting. A simple conversation in a coffee line had led her to rediscover hope, faith, and purpose.
Years later, Sam saw Leah again, now vibrant, her laughter echoing through the hall. She introduced him to her husband and her two children, explaining how her life had turned around.
You never know whose life you'll change when you share your faith in Jesus into the darkest places. Your faith might just be the beacon of light someone desperately needs to find their way back to joy.
No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:15-16 (NLT)
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