I think I was 8. My sister and I were about to play outside when my mom warned us, “Billy Graham will be on at 7pm.”
Ugh…I knew what that meant.
We can’t stay out too long. We’ll need to finish our homework, shower and eat dinner early…because at 7pm, WE were watching the nationally televised Billy Graham Crusade, whether we liked it or not.
“It’s so boring. We’re just kids,” I would complain. But my complaining never worked. At 7pm, the TV was on.
I maintained my ‘I’m bored’ outward composure, but about ten minutes into the sermon, Billy Graham’s simple gospel message had a way of seeping into my heart and piercing my young soul. Every time.
THIRTY YEARS LATER…
It’s Thursday (my day off). My kids are small and we’re headed to my parents house. We have about 45 minutes till we reach our destination. David Jeremiah, one of my favorite preachers, is on the radio. My kids begin to bellyache. “Oh mama, can’t we just listen to music? This is so boring.”
I reassure them that it’ll be over in 15 minutes…then they can listen to their music.
They quiet down, but look incredibly bored. One even appears to doze off. I can’t help but wonder if I’m doing the right thing.
TEN YEARS LATER…
We are back in the car, but this time my youngest son is in the driver’s seat.
My son: “Mama, Do you still like David Jeremiah?”
Me: “Yeah, I do…he’s one of my favorites.”
My son: “Mine too…I listen to his podcast on my way to school. He has such a soothing voice.”
Me: Shut. The. Front. Door. (In my head, of course)
You mean all those years, they were listening? All that bellyaching and something actually seeped in?
Friends, God promises us that His Word will not return void. (Isaiah 55:11)
Facts.
And what we do for the Lord is never in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Facts.
I feel like someone out there needs to hear this.
Keep at it, mama.
Keep at it, faithful friend.
Whether it’s at home with your family, at work on your job or in the car with your kiddos…keep at it.
Your prayers are not in vain. Your work will be rewarded. God’s Word is God’s Word. However you can, sneak it in.
It will pierce our souls…whether we like it or not. (Hebrews 4:12)
– Binu
