This morning, before I even got out of bed, a dear friend of mine sent me a verse from Isaiah 41. She did not know how much I needed that verse today, but God did. She opened her Bible, came to that verse and thought of me. It is so amazing to me that God knows every day just what we need and He uses the people in our lives to meet those needs. God often uses a beautiful reminder like this from a friend to encourage us or to teach us, but at times, God also uses difficulties to shape us. He places people in our lives to help us, encourage us, lead us, instruct us and sometimes even to hurt us, so that we will cling only to Him and Him alone for our strength.
Today, I am missing a particular person who made a huge impact in the lives of our sons and in the lives of so many. His name was Danny and he is no longer with us. He is with Jesus. He was our youth pastor for at least ten years. He gave so much of his life for others. When he died our 1200 seat worship center was filled to overflowing with people whose lives were touched by him in some way. He loved the Lord and he led many to Jesus. He made us laugh, he taught us God’s Word, he did crazy things that at times drove us crazy, he even hurt us, because after all, he was only human, but he loved us and showed us Jesus in so many ways. He pushed us out of our “boxes” and he helped us to see who we are in Christ. He even talked me into jumping off of a 30 ft. cliff one time into a very deep river in WV, and I don’t like heights or swimming! He just had that kind of influence over people. Our sons are who they are today partly because of him.
Remembering him today on the fifth anniversary of his death causes me sadness, but more so, it causes me to think about those who are still with us, especially those pastors and people whom God has put into our lives to guide us. I am so thankful for the godly leaders that God has sent to our church in the past and in the present. Some we’ve had the pleasure of knowing and serving alongside for more than twenty years, some for a little less than that, and some who we are just getting to know. I am grateful for these men and their hearts for God and His people. I posted earlier on FB that, they pour themselves into God’s Word, and then pour all that they have back into us. They spend much of their week feeding on God’s Word so that they can feed us on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. But, not only this, but, they pray for us, teach us, lead us, visit the sick, encourage us, believe in us, allow us to serve in places we never would have dreamed we could serve and they simply love us, even when at times, we’re not that loveable.
Another pastor friend of mine, and counselor once reminded me of some verses in Hebrews 13. Verse seven says this, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Verse seventeen says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
Again, I remember our friend Danny today, and miss him, but celebrate his life. I’m also so grateful for our pastors, our families, and the dear friends that God has placed around me to teach me and spur me on towards Jesus.
Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to keep meeting together and encouraging one another. It says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Danny and our pastors have taught us so much. I know there are some people in my life today that I really need to encourage, ask forgiveness from and to love. I do not want to miss the opportunity to do that while there is still time. I not only want to imitate the lives of Danny and our godly pastors, but I want to imitate the life of Jesus Christ. I know I fall so short of this all of the time, but may God give me the strength to do walk faithfully. (Scripture from Holy Bible, ESV)
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