When we set out on a consciously chosen course of action that accents the good of others and is for the most part a hidden work, a deep change occurs in our spirit. Nothing disciplines the inordinate desires of the flesh like service, and nothing transforms the desires of the flesh like serving in hiddenness. The flesh whines against service but screams against hidden service. It strains and pulls for honor and recognition. It will devise subtle, religiously acceptable means to call attention to the service rendered. If we stoutly refuse to give in to this lust of the flesh, we crucify it. (Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline, p. 114)
Stephanie is a nurse and a member of Grace Evan. She wanted to be able to explain the Gospel to her patients, so she listened to the Grace Evan Scripture Songs to help her memorize some key verses. As she chats with her patients, she tries to turn the conversation to the spiritual side of life, if they’re willing. Usually they are. If they’re interested, she tells them what the Bible says about eternal life in Christ.
One of her patients was a scientist and an expert on light. He also had a condition that rendered him unresponsive at times. Sometimes he’s “on” and sometimes he’s “off.” When he’s “off” he appears to be asleep but he’s not. When Stephanie first met him he was “off” so she just started talking and sharing the verses she learned. Turns out Dr. G heard everything she said. Stephanie was startled when Dr. G said, “I’ve heard these things but never believed them. Now I want to believe.” He trusted Christ and poured out his heart to God and to Stephanie. As he confessed his sins, Stephanie said, “God can forgive that… God can forgive that too…” And “there’s enough grace for that…” On and on. God’s glory and the two of them hidden away in a hospital room.
Dr. G wanted more. Stephanie often returned to his room after work to read and explain God’s Word. She started with the Gospel of John. There’s a lot about “light” in John. “The light shines in the darkness.” Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” This made a big impact on a scientist who had studied light. Coincidence? Hardly. The nurse was letting her light shine.
She read Genesis (“Let there be light…”)... Luke... Ephesians... Philippians. He loved it. He drank it in like a deer panting for water (Psalm 42). He couldn’t get enough. Plus, he was lonely. He wondered if Stephanie had other friends who would be willing to come and read God’s Word to him. Stephanie mentioned this to Dr. Young during a recent Wednesday night supper. Dr. Young told her to talk to Roger. Roger and others came up to Dr. G’s room to read God’s Word. Roger set up a schedule to keep track of what had been read. Hidden service.
One day, before Roger learned about Dr. G’s “on/off” condition, he was reading Genesis. He thought Dr. G had fallen asleep so he stopped reading. Dr. G, with eyes still closed, yelled, “DON’T STOP!” It shocked Roger. He’d never heard Dr. G raise his voice like that. He kept reading!
Dr. G spent his last days listening to the reading of the Word of God. Two people hidden away in a hospital room. One in a bed listening. The other beside him in a chair reading. Hidden service. Dr. G died Monday morning.
The true light, which gives light to everyone…was in the world… He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:9-13)
