Recently I was visiting with my daughter, Nicole, when a discussion of her daddy’s accident came up. It’s not a topic we talk about on a routine basis, but it is part of who we are both as a family and as individuals. During the course of the conversation I looked at her, now a wife and mother herself, and inquired “Why do you think your dad and I made it?” Pausing briefly she laughed and said,”I wonder that myself sometimes.” Then she paused, looking at me with what I call her ‘serious face’ and said, “Because Mom, for you quitting is never an option.”
I was raised in a Christian home by two loving parents who not only talked about trusting God, they lived daily showing their trust. I was only two years old when my dad was transferred overseas to England. His young wife and two daughters, age 2 ½ and 6 months were to follow him a few months later. My mother had never traveled out of the state of Missouri much less travel first to New York, NY then on to Great Britain. Yet she forged ahead. Even when her oldest daughter was diagnosed with the measles and put into quarantine there in New York her faith did not fail. She took a room at a hotel, cared for my baby sister, visited me when allowed and continued her plans to join my dad. Following my release she boarded an Air Force cargo plane headed for Germany. In her mind Germany was closer to England than New York so off we went. For some reason the plane stopped to refuel in England, my mother took both of her girls, got off the plane, and refused to get back on. Her husband was in England and England was where she was going to stay. After a series of miscommunications my parents were reunited. I heard that story over and over as I grew up. I knew my mother was a strong woman but there was no doubt who she gave credit to for that strength.
As years passed I watched my parents deal with difficult times over and over again. The loss of parents, health scares, sudden transfers, my dad’s sudden departure for duty with us not knowing where he was or when he would return were always met head on. I never saw them blame God instead I saw them turn to Him for strength and purpose. Later I would appreciate what a great legacy they had given me. I also understood that legacy had been passed to them from their parents.
So, as I faced those very difficult times I had an example to go by, my parents and my grandparents. I’d seen them pray, I’d heard the words “God knows best”, I’d watched them put their trust in God in action. I knew to turn everything over to God. I’m not saying it was always easy or that things always went the way I thought they should go. But I never doubted God was in control. My faith is what got me through those difficult times. It was one thing that I could count on when everything seemed to be falling apart.
I’ve often said that when I felt myself getting overwhelmed by all that was going on God would send just the right person, at just the right time, with just the right word, scripture, or gesture. God was faithful to send help each time I needed it. My parents passed the legacy of faith to me and because they did I have the responsibility, privilege and honor to pass it along to my children. My prayer is they saw and continue to see in me the faith I witnessed in my parents. It is a gift that will take them through any difficulties they may face.
This was an awesome read since I could relate to having an upbringing by God-fearing parents too.
Thanks for sharing! Loved this post. I really needed this. God Bless You.
I have been during this difficult time season, but despite all that; I understand and acknowledge that any difficulty, trial and affliction has its beginning and has an end. In this time I learned and I know God has taught me to trust Him and only Him. He takes care of me. My reason for not giving up and continue despite the difficulties in depositing my whole being in the Lord. trust Him, depend on Him and walk after Him. By His grace and mercy, is enough to keep up with my hands raised in worship. This is what gives me strength. God Bless! 🙂
CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD?
What is the meaning of calling on the name of the Lord? Many assume that believing in Jesus and saying a form of a sinner’s prayer constitutes, calling on the name of the Lord. The problem with that theory is none of the conversions under the New Covenant support that assumption. Not one time is anyone ever told to believe and say the sinner’s prayer in order to be saved.
The apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost quoted the prophet Joel, Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (NKJV)
The apostle Peter preached the first gospel sermon under the New Covenant. Peter did not tell the 3000 converts to believe and say the sinner’s prayer.
Peter preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. He preached Jesus as both Lord and Christ. When they heard this they asked Peter and the rest of the brethren what they should do?(Acts 2:22-37) Peter told them what to do. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.(NKJV)
How did the 3000 on the Day of Pentecost call on the name of the Lord and become saved?
1. They believed that Jesus was both Lord and Christ.
2. They believed that God raised Jesus from the grave.
3. They repented. Repentance is a change of heart. Repentance means to be converted so that God may forgive your sins. Repentance is to make the intellectual commitment to turn from sin and turn toward God. (Acts 3:19, Acts 2:38)
4. They were immersed in water (baptized) so that their sins could be forgiven.
How did the 3000 on the Day of Pentecost not call on the name of the Lord?
1. They did not say a sinner’s prayer.
2. Not one person was asked to pray for forgiveness.
3. Not one single man was told to be baptized as a testimony of his faith.
4. No one was told that water baptism was a just an act of obedience.
5. No one was informed they were saved the very minute they believed.
6. Not one person was told that water baptism was not essential for the forgiveness of sins.
7. Not one person was told to be baptized so they could join a denominational church.
Jesus said he that believes and is baptized shall be saved. (Mark 16″16) Jesus did not say he who believes and says a sinner’s prayer shall be saved.
READ MORE BY A GOOGLE SEARCH: STEVE FINNELL A CHRISTIAN VIEW
What a great story! I hope that one day I will leave such a legacy behind for my son. This post has inspired me to be more open with him about the problems we’re facing. As parents, we tend to shelter our children from our problems and therefore forgo the opportunity to teach them how to handle problems the right way.
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The part of Eva’s story about how her mom refused to get back on the plane reminded me that, in difficult situations, you often need to be bold. Just like God commanded Joshua to be courageous, we too need to be courageous in difficult situations.
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This was a great guest post. I would love to read this book when it comes out :).
Wow! What a story. God gives me the strength to keep going–my mother also stands by me when I go through trials, and her prayers and encouragement are very real threads of joy in my life.
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