1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Between his two tours of duty in Vietnam, my husband lived on the naval base at Oxnard, California. He still vividly remembers the time when he decided to hitchhike up the coast to visit his buddy in Seattle.
After standing with his thumb out for a couple hours, a car finally pulled up and offered him a ride. With great relief, Chip hopped in, clueless as to the impact the next 180 miles would have on his life.
As they pulled away, the driver began singing, accompanied by a tambourine he banged on his leg. After the second song, the driver started asking Chip questions about his life, and what he believed about God. Chip was not a believer at the time and was none too pleased with the driver’s evangelism. But it was a ride. So he listened as a captive audience to what we called in those days a bonified “Jesus freak.” They debated Christianity all the way to their parting crossroads near Big Sur. And Chip made it clear to the tambourine-playing, gospel-giving, troubadour he remained unconvinced.
Then an indelible moment took place. As Chip got out of the car, the driver said, “I’m going my way now and we will never meet again. But I’m going to pray for you and entrust you to the Lord. Then, I will forget about you. But you will never forget me.”
The driver was right. Although it would be another few years before Chip became a believer, he has never forgotten that mysterious exchange. It stands as one of those mile markers God sent to help him find his way home.
Most of the time, we don’t know if our efforts to point people toward Jesus are fruitful or not. The Apostle Paul understood how frustrating it can be to think our “labor is in vain.” Yet he admonishes us to remain steadfast and not give up. We may not know this side of eternity the fruit of our efforts.
I doubt the driver of the car knew. But one day he will, when Chip greets him in heaven with Bob Dylan’s iconic words, Hey Mr. Tambourine man, play a song for me