Thursday, February 26, 2009
2 Timothy 1:3-12
I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith.... I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you.... For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
This was such a powerful passage of scripture this morning. It made me think back a few days to the visit we had with dear friends of ours. It also made me think over the past few years we have got to share in their lives as God has been leading them on their journey, and the part He has allowed us to play in their lives.I grew up with both of them, but we really didn't get to know each other until 10 years ago when we started attending the same church together, and started growing our families. They have become a very special family in my life, and also our kids' lives. It brought me great joy to be reminded of their sincere faith.
Four years ago God chose to take their little 5 year old daughter.
The following verses are so true to what God has been doing in their lives.So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord.... But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.... That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
Through out the struggle of understanding why God would have done this, they continue to trust Him and his plans for their life. They continue to testify of the goodness of God, of his power and salvation. Trusting that His grace is sufficient, even in this. Lifting up His name, and sharing what He has done in their lives. Knowing that through this suffering for the gospel, God's name is glorified. Even in the midst of this tragedy, they have seen God's hand move in salvation. They are more convinced that He is able to guard what they have entrusted to Him for that day. The longing for heaven is all the more ingrained in them.
This sweet little girl, in her few years, has had such an impact for the gospel in our little community. Many lives have been changed because of what God did with her life. What a legacy to leave. I know my life will never be the same because of her, and what God chose to do with her life. I can still see those little eyes looking up at me, and I miss her so much, too. God has overwhelmed me to be in prayer for this family constantly. It doesn't always seem like enough. May God be glorified in it.
