The following article is written by my cousin, Daniel Byard.  I know his ‘glimpse of glory’ will serve as a source of encouragement to each of you!  Thank you Daniel for sharing with us. – Kevin

Have you ever thought, “I wish I was a good musician”, or “I wish I had that guy’s public speaking ability?”  How often have you desired to sing like someone famous or have more money so you could help more people in need and spread the Good News?  Me too!!! I’ve even said those very things out loud more than once. I think we all have actually.

Yesterday while waiting in the doctor’s office I encountered a man that has been in a great deal of pain for 3 years.  Due to numerous surgeries he is now unable to work. He is a mechanic, but his real passion is wood working. He told me about some of the things he has made, one being a crucifix. I sensed he had lost a lot of hope, and his faith had grown weak. My wife and I have experienced a similar story since she was hit by a drunk driver 6 years and three major surgeries ago. My car accident was just a year and 4 days ago, but I’ve been there. I have been and seen people in his exact spot! I heard his story and shared our stories.

I believe God used this as an opportunity for me to do what I’m good at; listening and reading people. By the end of our conversation, he was smiling. He had renewed hope and I pray that his faith in the Father is renewed.

Normally I would have been very upset waiting an hour past my appointment time to see the doctor, but I’ll take that extra hour of vacation I used from work and count it as a win! (And be thankful I can continue working) If we had not been through similar circumstances I would not have been there. If I didn’t use the gift of reading people God has given me, would we have even met? Would he have chosen the chair next to me in an otherwise large an empty waiting room? My smile was enough to bring a stranger to my side. I would not have that smile if I did not have Jesus.

I walked away from this encounter as a better person.  I felt great about the opportunity I was blessed to have been given.  I ask that you consider three questions with me.

What talent has God already given you that you need to start using?

Jesus plainly stated in Matthew 25:23, “His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.  Enter into the joy of your master.’”  May we examine ourselves often to understand the gifts and abilities God has granted to each of us so we may use them to His glory.

In what ways do you praise Him for EVERY event in your life.

The psalmist penned in Psalm 100:1-5: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”  God is wonderful and is constantly worthy of our praise.  May we each determine to praise him in each and every experience whether it be on the mountain top or as we walk in the valley in our lives.

Are you looking for ways for God to work through you in order to possibly change someone’s eternity?

Paul told the church to pray for opportunities in Colossians 4:2-4, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.  At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.”  We need to constantly be on the lookout for opportunities to tell others about Christ through both word and deed.

I encourage you to take time to consider these three questions.  Petition God to bless your heart, motivation, and vision for opportunities to glorify His Son.