He Will Wipe Away Every Tear

This week the Lord brought home two very public Saints. For some reason the death of these two men, Frank Gifford and Danny Lotz, have affected me deeply. It was as if I had a personal relationship with both of them. And obviously I do not.  God was stirring something in my soul for a reason. Something He didn't want me to miss.

Kathy Lee Gifford's tribute to her husband's Christian walk was seen nationwide on the Today Show. It was such a breath of fresh air to see that there are still strong Believers in the public eye. One of the things she said about her husband that I just loved? So simple. "As Franks God got bigger Franks world got smaller". If you have not seen the video you may do so here:  http://on.today.com/1MxyNip

The second homecoming was Danny Lotz, son in law of Billy Graham and husband to Anne Graham Lotz.  Danny was on the 1957 UNC Chapel Hill undefeated basketball "Dream Team".  He was the instrumental figure to bring Fellowship of Christian Athletes to North Carolina. The retired dentist was also a beloved bible teacher in Raleigh. I have met Anne Graham Lotz and we have several mutual friends. But I do not know her. Yet, for whatever reason, I felt the Lord calling me to  pray for her. 

Mr. Lotz passed away yesterday. Anne wrote on her Facebook page that her husband, through his illness, never once complained. As I read her tribute to her husband I immediately thought "Would my spouse be able to say these things about me? Would my children be able to say 'she was sick but never complained' ".  As I pondered that question I realized the answer is unequivecably "No". 

So I opened my bible to find out exactly what the Lord says about complaining. The very first verse I stumbled across was:

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of Jesus Christ for you"-1 Thessalonians 5:18

I'd like to think that I do give thanks in all circumstances. And honestly, after the fact, I am able to reflect on where I saw God. Where His hand was. During the difficulty? Not so much.

Both of these mens spouses say that their Godly husbands were both grateful and humbled servants. I wanted God to show me where I fell short. What is it that makes me complain first and praise after the fact? I continued to flip through the pages of my bible. There, highlighted in pink and dated 1997, staring back at me was Philipians 4:8:  

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about those things".

I think God's message to me is that I am called to joyfully and humbly serve. As I draw closer to Him in my walk I am to thankfully praise Him. He is the centerpiece of my life. But I do not praise as much as I should. More of Him and less of Me.

What about you? What will your family say about you? Do you serve with a happy heart? Is Jesus the Master of your life? Do you greet each and every single morning with thanksgiving?  #meneither. 

They say, that as a Christian, if you only touch one heart for His Kingdom that you have served well. Thank you, Mr. Gifford and Mr. Lotz. Your exemplary lives have stirred my heart. You have given me a reason to examine my faithfulness. My walk.

Thank you, Lord, for your grace. Your never ending willingness to let me try again (and again) until I figure it out. 

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."-Rev 21:4