Serve as a mentor, or ask someone to mentor you

Posted

When I wrote last week’s column, I had no idea that I would be writing a follow-up column this week. As far as I was concerned, I had expressed what I felt God wanted me to express about the Scriptural command for those stronger in the faith to mentor those weaker in it, as is the relationship between my mentor, Kathleen, and I. Next topic, I thought.

The day after the column published in The Sumter Item, I met Sarah (not her real name), a young woman who I didn’t know aside from the fact that her mother and I are acquaintances. It was three months ago that her mother had expressed concern for her daughter in passing — she was struggling, and could I pray for her? Sure, I said, as we all do when someone asks that question.

Now, by all but random chance, her daughter was plunked in my life, and I had a unique opportunity to minister to this young woman. She was asking questions, seeking advice. I quickly realized God’s next blessing for me: I could encourage this young woman in her faith.

It seems my challenge to you, dear reader, to mentor to someone, was also a challenge I would need to take on.

To have God orchestrate the series of events that led up to our meeting was so detailed and so perfectly timed. I equate these times of obvious divine intervention to a spiritual sledgehammer, one that knocks down any walls of hesitation I might have. God conditioned me toward this goal, and I, knowing the impact that Kathleen has had on my life, have seen the merit in paying it forward.

I immediately started telling others about this chain reaction: how one person's decision to encourage another person in the faith yielded unforeseen results. In two separate cases, those I told made first steps to finding someone of their own mentor. I hope I get to see the full, exponential results of this chain.

“[L]et us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV)

If you were on the fence about approaching someone to either mentor or be your mentor, I hope that God has used my words to push you toward that relationship. The odds are someone needs spiritual encouragement from you as much as you need it from another.

Email Jamie H. Wilson at faithmatterssumter@gmail.com.