Mark was walking home from school one day when Bill, ten feet ahead of him, dropped his books, two sweaters, a baseball glove, and other odds and ends. Mark helped Bill pick up the scattered items, then carried some of them for him. As they walked Mark discovered a lot about Bill and when they arrived at Bill’s home, he invited Mark to come in for a Coke. They ended up spending the afternoon together and maintained contact with each other throughout junior high and high school.

Three weeks before graduation, Bill asked Mark if they could talk. Bill reminded him of the day five years ago when they first met. He revealed that he was on his way home to commit suicide. What turned things around for him was Mark’s kindness. He told Mark that when he picked those books up for him that day, he actually saved his life.

Unlike Mark, we may not hear the rest of the story while still on earth. But our acts of faithfulness to God, whatever they may be, will not go unrewarded. That friendship with your grouchy neighbor or those few kind words you said might not mean much to you. But the Bible says, “The Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does.” Jesus said he wouldn’t forget even a single cup of cold water given someone in his name.

So keep on being faithful. One day we'll learn of eternal results we never saw on earth. One day we'll know the rest of the story.