Yesterday while running errands with the girls, I met someone. I met a witty 60+ year old woman who engaged me in conversation, initially about the weather, then later about her water aerobics class, her grandchildren, her journey of parenthood, her physically-challenged husband (a 70 year old disabled veteran), and to my surprise her battle with breast cancer. She is a third-stage breast cancer survivor…from what I could tell a 6-7 year survivor. She said there were a few women in her home town that were given that same diagnosis, all around the same time period. They were all friends. Unfortunately, all of the women did not survive. Only she did. And now she cares for her disabled husband. She said with an uncomfortable yet humble smile, “Who would have thought this would be my life.”. She said it again, with the expressive tone of a question, “Who would have thought this would be my life?”. Those words became the background music for the rest of my day.

When a trail of unexpected struggles hit your life; when an overflow of joys rain down in your life, have you found yourself saying those same words? I have. What about this. Have you discovered that you are the last one standing in the midst of circumstances, disasters and predicaments? Or maybe you are one of a few still standing, a remnant of once was? After the woman said those profound words, I believe our spirits connected, instantly it seemed. For that moment I felt a bit of her anguish, her loyalty, her strength. I said, not knowing for sure if she believed in God, “What an amazing story God has given you to share. You’re still here to tell your story.” A bigger smile graced her face and she agreed, “Yes! God has given me a story!” We talked some more, I met her husband, they said hello to the girls and she thanked me for taking time to listen and talk with her, a stranger. She parted with a wave saying if I see her again to holler out, “Hey there lady.”

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2 NIV

I have no question that lady was an angel sent to me at a specific time, for a specific purpose. Our conversation touched on and spoke to things only God and I have talked about. Have you experienced the same? It’s one of those “awe” moments, right? God responds mightily to those who seek Him with their whole hearts. So the question stands, are you a remnant? The Bible says in Romans 11:5-6,

“It’s the same today. There’s a fiercely loyal minority still—not many, perhaps, but probably more than you think. They’re holding on, not because of what they think they’re going to get out of it, but because they’re convinced of God’s grace and purpose in choosing them. If they were only thinking of their own immediate self-interest, they would have left long ago.” (The Message Bible)

Is there turmoil in the land – in your community, in your home, on your job, in your school, in your church? Has God set you apart to be the remnant that will help turn the world back to God, not just in our talking but in our living? Don’t quit, don’t give up. Be a part of the number that seeks after God’s ways. You’re a remnant for a purpose. Let us be diligent in that work, in well-doing. You can do this!