by Robert C. Veil, Jr.
I have been sitting on a rocking chair outside a motel near Beckley, West Virginia, where I
have been conducting a gospel meeting this weekend. When I first sat down, it was dark, but I
have watched an amazing sunrise, with glorious pinks, reds, oranges, and finally the blues and
grays of the new day, the first day of the week. It’s been my privilege again to preach a gospel
meeting for a kind, loving congregation, which I have come to deeply respect over the years. This
is not my first meeting here, I think it’s my third. These are good people, and they remind me of
some great things about the Lord’s church.
Some of these people have seen real heartaches. I have visited during this meeting with
members who have lost their spouses to whom they had been married for many years. I marvel at
their ability to go on with their lives, and wonder whether I could do the same if I were in their
position. I have spoken with Christians whose children have grown up and left the church, leaving
their parents brokenhearted, struggling to go on. But they are doing it. These heartaches they suffer
in silence, with gentle smiles on their faces, encouraging me as I preach the meeting each night.
As I learn more about their personal life, I hope I can share something from God‘s word which
will cheer and encourage them—maybe say just what was needed.
Some of these Christians have experienced sickness, disease, and other physical challenges.
I spoke with a man last evening who has been leading the singing for many years. I remember him
leading it in years past. He showed me his right hand, crippled with arthritis. He is unable to
straighten his fingers. Yet he still faithfully leads the songs and keeps time with that hand. Others
are dealing with cancer. Some names have been called from the prayer list who are not able to
attend the meeting because they are ill at home. Yet they continue, faithfully living for and serving
the Lord. There is something in these people scattered in small congregations all over this part of
the State, which keeps them going. I think I know what it is.
This morning, I am to preach two sermons, and then another this evening. I just hope I can
do justice to these opportunities. I have thought about these messages for a long time, and I pray
that what is presented will be uplifting and encouraging to people who need and deserve
encouragement.
Sitting here, I am reminded of how unworthy I am (or any gospel preacher is). To be trusted
with the amazing word of God, and given the privilege and opportunity of presenting it publicly,
is truly a daunting experience. Most of these people do not really know me all that well, yet they
give of their precious time to sacrificially sit at my feet and hear the preaching throughout this
meeting. I pray I can make their sacrifice well worth it.
One of the reasons I enjoy preaching gospel meetings is that it reminds me of how many
excellent brethren there are all over the country. What a blessing to be part of the Lord’s church!
And although I am concerned for these churches, and for the members of them who are serving
under such difficult personal circumstances, there is yet an encouragement which is hard to
express. It is a gratifying feeling of ultimate victory, a reassurance that these efforts are not in vain.
A humbling reminder that when I am long gone, the Lord’s church will be doing just fine. “The
grass witherteh and the flower falleth, but the word of the Lord abideth forever.”
I have spent many early Sunday mornings sitting on porches, reflecting on faithful brethren,
whom I have known over the years, and what kept them going. It is their confidence in God’s word,
which is ultimately confidence in God himself.
Local congregations rise and fall. They may grow or decrease in number, take
encouragement for a time from new and exciting members, lose precious friends to death or
moving away, or just patiently deal with the challenging changes and vicissitudes of life. All of
them are just humbly trying to live a faithful Christian life from day to day, so they can go on to
heaven forever. And there’s something about that patient endurance of God’s people that’s
comforting to me. I hope it beckons and encourages all of us to keep following Christ.
