I gave the eulogy at my father’s memorial service yesterday. The Lord led me to emphasize my father’s life of enduring faith. As much light and truth as my father had, he endeavored to walk in it. The Bible describes the Christian life in terms of walking. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he describes the Christian life as a walk in love, in unity, in humility, in light, and in wisdom. He admonishes them to walk worthy of their calling. The Old Testament tells us the patriarchs “walked” with God—Enoch, Noah and Abraham, David…
Walking implies movement and progress and destination—a step-by-step, day-by-day process. From the time we are born again, we are called to no longer walk by sight, but to walk by faith. And it takes a lifetime to get it right! We do not develop intimacy with anyone quickly—even so, our relationship with God must be time-tested. In our fast-paced culture, the concept of “walking” is almost foreign to us—we would prefer to ‘drive’ with God, so we can get to our destination quickly—we do not have the patience to walk anywhere. But God uses time to train us by leading us only a step at a time. And as we take each step in faith, He reveals the next.
My father walked with God for 70 years. In the last year of his life, he was unable to drive. And then in the last months of his life, he had to use a walker. To the natural eyes, this seems like a decline. But on spiritual plane, this is a good thing: as our walk with God matures, He desires us to become increasingly dependent on Him. First He takes away the car keys. Then he takes away all the strength of our legs, until we are completely dependent on Him. Are you too proud to use a walker!
Greg,
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding all who read your entries that there are sacred moments, even in this life, that are worth every effort to extract their message. You have given us glimpses into God's very personal expression of His faithfulness and grace to you in your walk together through this valley of your father's transition to the next life. And we who can only read your narrative are still highly privileged to have been included.
I bless you for the time you have taken to share. The insights gleaned are gemstones of great value that will equip us to deal with the most difficult of times. Yet we can have great certainty of God's faithful love and care as testified by you!
Once again, Thank You, Greg!
Stan
and isn't it comforting that when we see all things in light of Jesus and His sanctifying work in us, in others, in this world, that we keep all things in the right perspective--an eternal one!
ReplyDeletethanks for your comments.
It's wonderful to read about the rich legacy your father has left through you and now to us, your spiritual sons and daughters.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this.