Greeting in the matchless name of Jesus!
As a young child, I had the blessing of a grandmother who truly knew Jesus, and spoke with Him often. Having such an example, and knowing someone is praying for you, is a blessing many will never fully understand unless they, too, walk with Christ.
Recently, a friend I hadn’t spoken to in years reached out to me. We grew up on the same street. He had moved here to Rochester from Brooklyn, New York. So naturally, we called him Brooklyn.
After catching up for a bit, he shared that he had just received some difficult news. His mother had been diagnosed with cervical cancer. Although Brooklyn is now a believer, that didn’t make the news any easier to bear.
I’ve always known his mother to be a woman of faith. She continually encouraged her children to trust in the Lord. Just like my grandmother, she was and is a praying mother.
When I asked how she was handling the diagnosis, Brooklyn said she was fearful at first, but eventually declared that her trust was fully in the Lord. Once again, she demonstrated to her son what it means to walk by faith and not by sight.
Brooklyn went on to speak so highly of his mother’s faith, and it deeply encouraged me, especially knowing who he once was before meeting Jesus.
My point in sharing this is twofold:
- Would you join me in praying for Sister Carmen as she faces this diagnosis of cervical cancer? Let us believe God for a miracle. I know you will.
- Your Christian influence matters. Whether as a spouse, parent, child, friend, or neighbor, your bold confession of who Jesus is in your life makes a difference. You may not see it immediately, but your consistent faith leaves a lasting legacy just as we read in Hebrews 11 (I encourage you to read the whole chapter).
So, church, believe that the words you speak and the life you live in Christ have an impact on those around you. You may not realize how encouraging your faith is until the Lord reveals it.
Grace and peace be upon you,
Pastor Lu