Unsung Heroes

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 1:13-18

In the 1980s, Jaime Escalante, a high school math teacher in East Los Angeles, taught at Garfield High, a school renowned for its poor academic performance and gang violence. Most students were considered ‘unreachable,’ but Escalante believed differently.  He saw potential where others saw failure. 

With tireless dedication, he stayed after school, offered extra classes, and challenged his students to take Advanced Placement Calculus, something unheard of for that community at the time. His belief in them changed lives. In 1982, 18 of his students passed the Advanced Placement Calculus exam, and many went on to successful careers in college and other professions.  Escalante made a tremendous difference in the lives of those students!

There are many unsung heroes in the Bible.  

Paul calls Epaphroditus “my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier” (Philippians 2:25).  He risked his life to serve Paul and the gospel, though no one ever preaches about him.  Tychicus was a faithful messenger who served Paul faithfully.  When others doubted Saul of Tarsus after his conversion, Barnabas took him under his wing (Acts 9:27). His willingness to believe in Paul opened the door for one of the greatest ministries in church history.

Even today, there are people like this who mentor, teach, and quietly inspire others to rise to their God-given potential.  If you look back on your own life, you will find someone who believed in you despite many odds when many did not.

The question we have to ask ourselves today is whether we are providing that kind of support to those around us. Do we see people as God sees them?  No one may appreciate us or commend us, but that should never trouble us or stop us.  Nothing is hidden from the eyes of the Lord, and our reward is from our Lord.  

When Paul writes to Timothy about Onesiphorus, he says, “… all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.  The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain; but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me” (2 Timothy 1:15-17).  The Lord will grant mercy to his household!

My friend, God has placed each one of us in a position of influence.  Do we use our position to lift people out of their predicament?  Can we be someone people can depend on?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, make me a loyal, refreshing, diligent servant in the cause of Christ.  Help me walk the extra mile so that I can make a difference in their lives.  Strengthen and empower me, Lord, to be Your hands and feet. Amen.