Rewards In Heaven

Photo by Tao Zhyn

The couple who leads intercessory prayer for our fellowship asked me to write out this story. I originally read the story in a book some 15 to 20 years ago. I believe the book was written by Gene Edwards, but I'm not certain. If anyone knows where this story originated, please leave a comment.
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The author relays a story of an elderly lady who attended his church while he was growing up. She was a quiet and unassuming woman. When he was a teenager, she told him that she was praying for him.

Although that encounter did not seem particularly remarkable, he remembered it non-the-less.

Many years later, in the midst of a 3-day fast, the author saw the following scenario as a dream or vision.

A number of saints were presenting themselves before the judgment seat of Christ. At the feet of each saint was a heap of "works" - a lifetime of labor they were offering to the Lord.

The author observed that many of the piles seemed impressive - presented by impressive people. The woman who prayed for him stood behind an unimpressive heap.

One by one, a flaming torch touched the piles. One by one their works went up in smoke.

Until the flame touched the offering presented by the elderly woman.

Unlike the others, her pile, unassuming as it was, turned to pure gold.
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"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6

The preceding story stuck with me through the years. Perhaps those who serve the master willingly, often do so without being aware of it. Do those works comprise the bulk of their reward? In addition to prayer, the smile, the small gift to someone in need, the simple word of encouragement spoken in passing, and faithfulness even when it is unpopular, all please the Father.