My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. (Psalm 71:15-17)
Some time ago, Jim Orders, a senior board member of our school for pastors, was diagnosed with a deadly cancer. When I visited him, he smiled and spoke with a trust in God’s plan that had matured over a lifetime of faith. He said, “I always wondered how the Father would take me home. Now I know.”
In his final days, Jim had a final task he strove to complete. He wrote the history of his family and business as a way of celebrating the grace he had experienced. He longed to leave a legacy of faith for those he loved, so they might also have deep confidence in Jesus no matter what life brought.
This is always the desire of faithful parents, pastors, friends, and neighbors. Our joy increases as we see others share it. Our confidence in God grows as we witness others grow in faith. Our sense of purpose deepens as we see God deepen our faith in new generations of believers.
Your joy also will increase as your witness spreads. You don’t need to wait until you are dying to experience such joy. The One who rose from the dead will walk with you and work through you as you tell loved ones his wondrous deeds. So, tell!
Prayer:
Lord, help me to remember all the wonderful things you have done in my life. Then, please give me opportunities and a loving heart to share my joy with those who need you.