Hebrews 13:2 “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”

Hebrews 13:3 “Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.”

I came across this photo a few days ago and I smiled at the memories it stirred within me. We were in Nepal and our host wanted to do a little hiking up the Himalayas. We quickly learned that there is no such thing as a little hiking up these steep inclines. My husband, Bill, and I tired very quickly. We needed to stop and catch our breath every few minutes. After our second rest period, we noticed the older man with the pink bag next to us. We exchanged the traditional “Namaste” and began to walk on. The man walked on with us. He never gasped for air as we did and he was a lot older than I was. After a short walk, the man motioned for us to stop. We obliged because we needed it. He stood right besides us and waited. He soon gestured for us to move again. This continued all the way up the hill. We joked that maybe he was our guardian angel sent to make sure we did not kill ourselves on the mountain. At the top, we thanked him profusely and he continued on his own trek.

Through our years of mission trips, God has sent many “angels” to protect us and guide us during difficult times on trips. I memorized Hebrews 13:2 after several of these meetings and now think of it when I find myself face to face with a helpful stranger in a foreign land. God is faithful and good all the time. Did God send this angel to help us? We will never be sure this side of heaven. The next verse, Hebrews 13:3 goes on to remind us not to forget those in prison or those who are suffering. God might also use us as “angels” to help others who are suffering in this life.

Next time you find that helpful stranger stepping in to help, remember this verse from Hebrews. That stranger might be a gift from God!

Yvonne

Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”