During the Keys to Revelation series the truth of God’s holy day settled deeper into his heart. One Sabbath afternoon he approached the pastor with a worried look. “Pastor,” he said, “I want to keep the Sabbath holy. But I’m always scheduled to work. What can I do?”
At the time, he was working in clothing sales at a busy retail store. Saturdays were the store’s biggest days, and Byron was almost always scheduled to work. He didn’t mind until he heard the message of the Sabbath.
During the Keys to Revelation series the truth of God’s holy day settled deeper into his heart. One Sabbath afternoon he approached the pastor with a worried look. “Pastor,” he said, “I want to keep the Sabbath holy. But I’m always scheduled to work. What can I do?”
The pastor prayed with him and gave him a letter—one explaining Byron’s conviction to honor the Bible Sabbath. It respectfully requested religious accommodation and assured the employer that Byron was more than willing to work Sundays or any other days to make up the hours. Byron delivered the letter with hope and intrepidation.
A week later the store manager called him into the office and let him go. Just like that, Byron lost his job. But he didn’t lose his faith.
Every Sabbath, rain or shine, Byron was in his usual seat at the Kentwood church. He sang the hymns. He prayed. He studied. And he trusted that God saw his situation.
Things got tight—tighter than he ever expected. His rent was due. His car badly needed new brakes. One Friday afternoon, he wasn’t even sure how he was going to make it to church the next morning.
But the Kentwood church family wasn’t about to let him struggle alone. When they learned of his need, several members gathered around him like family. A group of men put brand-new brakes on his car. Others helped make sure his rent was covered so he wouldn’t be evicted. They prayed with him, encouraged him, and let him know that he mattered—not just as a visitor, but as a brother.
Byron didn’t give up. He kept attending faithfully, kept praying, kept trusting. And about a month later, God opened a door he never expected. A new job—one that didn’t require Sabbath work—came through.
Last Sabbath, Byron stepped into the baptismal tank, smiling with a joy that overflowed into the whole sanctuary. The congregation rejoiced as he publicly gave his life to Christ and became a member of the Kentwood Church.
Today, Byron isn’t content just to sit in the pew. He wants to serve. He has already asked how he can join the Pathfinder youth ministry, and he’s begun preparing to give Bible studies to several of his friends who are curious about the faith that changed his life.
Byron Smith’s journey reminds us all: When we stand for God, God stands for us. And He never abandons those who choose to follow Him. Heb 13:5
EJ Wolf pastors the Kentwood Church.
