“Joy, I didn’t think it would happen this soon.” I heard shock and sadness in my life-long friend’s voice. As Edith held my hand, I didn’t have any words to comfort her. She had been valiantly fighting cancer for many years. In the midst of her fight, she continued to seek God—to minister to others.
The highlight of our visit that day was when my mom and I prayed with her. Edith held our hands and prayed fervently for us and our family. We continued to pray that the Lord would either heal her or take her to her heavenly home.
A few weeks later, Edith went to be with her Savior. At her funeral, I saw the pain on her family’s face, and I cried for them and for myself. The pastor talked about the godly legacy Edith had left. She was an adult Sunday school teacher and a mentor to so many. Though she and her husband never had children, Edith had many spiritual children. I was blessed to be one of them.
Paul challenged his followers to encourage, pray for, and love each other. He had special instructions for Timothy, whom he loved as a son. Paul advised Timothy to persevere in faith and continue to preach the Word. He was near death at this point, and he wanted Timothy to remember and practice what he had learned.
What legacy will you leave? Ask God to show you how to be sensitive to other’s needs. Maybe God wants you to babysit for a busy mom or pray with someone who is discouraged. Perhaps you can lead a Bible study, make a meal for a caregiver, or write to someone who is lonely.
God has created you for a purpose. Spend time with Him, and He will reveal what His good plan is for you in this short life.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and taliesin.)
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Oh that we could learn the importance of living and leaving a priceless, yet intangible legacy of doing God's work for His glory!
What a beautiful devotional...really gives you something to think about. What will people say at our funerals?