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All of us work, whether in the business world or at home. I don’t know about you, but I rarely take time for a break (don’t tell my boss that!), even when I am home. It seems like our days are in “Urgent” mode, right up there next to “Panic” mode, whether in the kitchen or the office. Usually I forget to stop during the pressure of the work at hand in the never-ending pile on my desk, but today God reminded me to take a break and so I stepped away from my desk for a few moments.  

As I went downstairs to check the interoffice mail and stretch my legs, I passed by the desk of a co-worker. She is a Christian who works in a very demanding position, supporting the director and the financial director of our organization. Her responsibilities are great, and she is a tremendous asset in her position. Part of her value derives from the fact that she has such a sweet spirit. In passing her desk on the way to the mailboxes, I stopped to greet her. After the usual exchange of, “What’s new in your zoo?” we quietly began to fellowship.  

She asked me, “Do you read your Bible every single day?” Well, to be honest I swallowed and said, “Pretty much.” She shared that something had happened in her life recently and that since that time she hadn’t been able to read the Word. Gently I began to encourage her by reminding her that it was not what she did that assured her salvation or her position in God––it was her acceptance of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for her. I reminded her that it was not what she wore, how talented or how lovely she was, what she drove, or what activities she participated in, whether inside a church or out. It was simply Jesus’ acceptance of her that gives her (and all of us) favor in the sight of God. 

A scripture I had heard recently came to mind as we spoke, and I shared with her from Isaiah 61:10a. It says, “I delight greatly in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.” (NIV-italics mine) Had she ever thought about what a robe of righteousness feels like, I asked her. When she answered no, I began to paint a word picture for her.  

“Imagine the warmest, softest, cuddliest robe you’ve ever had. Think about it covering you and enfolding you completely. Think of how wonderful it smells, how rich to cover you, how restful to be soothed by its beauty. Imagine stroking the fabric with your hands and marveling at its depth. Then reflect on how it has no spot or flaw and the most important fact, that it is a gift from someone who loves you unconditionally and totally, and whom you love and adore. That is what I think it must be like to be “wrapped” in that precious robe, so safe, so all encompassing, so entirely covered by Jesus’ righteousness.”  

Now I related some of the words from other versions of the Word used in the verse such as being “outfitted,” “covered,” and “draped” in that special robe of righteousness, illustrating even more what it meant to have this wondrous robe of His surrounding us. Finally, I reminded her how precious she is to God and to each of us, her coworkers and fellow-believers. Then I told her I loved her. Nearly in tears, she suddenly stood up and wrapped her arms around me for a hug, telling me how much she had needed to hear that today, and how very much it meant to her. 

The Bible uses the term “words” many, many times. It tells us that that “the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.” (Ps. 12:6) Again in Psalms it says that His words are “sweet to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.” Proverbs tells us that a man (woman!) finds joy in “giving an apt reply, and how good is a timely word!” Finally also in Proverbs, it states that “pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” God had used His Words to comfort my friend, to reassure her, and encourage her. They weren’t my words at all, just His Word hidden in my heart, but His Words have power to heal us.  

My “coffee break” probably didn’t last 10 minutes, but His Word will last her a long, long time. As I walked away, I thought of all the other things I could have done on that “break.” I could have sat and mindlessly read an out-of-date magazine, or eaten something I didn’t really need, or as I usually do, skipped it entirely. But that small amount of time and those few words were the most refreshing break I have had in a very long time.  

Just giving those moments and His Words––even though I didn’t really know that she had a need––but simply being willing to share what God had put into my heart showed me how even our “coffee break” minutes are precious and can be used for the Kingdom. The time is growing short for His Return, and it is imperative to give our minutes to reaching out to believers and unbelievers alike. So whether you are at home or in the office, pick up the phone, send an email, write a note and let someone know they are loved and cared about. Encourage them, thank them, bless them. You will be incredibly refreshed. 

Have you taken a coffee break lately? 

Copyright 2004 by Desirée Marrion

Desirée Marrion is a member of Portland Eastside Foursquare Church and has previously served as a worship leader, musician, and teacher. She is a single mom, a grandmother, and an administrative assistant at the Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, in Portland, Oregon. You may reach her at: marrion8955@yahoo.com