May 15, 2000
LIFE & WORK SERIES:
A rich relationship with the
Lord enriches all others
___2 Samuel 23:1-7; 1 Kings 2:1-11
___By Debra Hochgraber
___Women's Evangelism Consultant, BGCT, Dallas
___Words spoken in the latter days of David's life reflect his faithfulness to the end. His relationship with the Lord included a realization that all good came from God. David knew every word of wisdom and each phrase of eloquence spoken from his mouth actually were from the Lord (2 Samuel 23:1-2). David had been a blessing to the nation (verses 3-4). He stood confidently on the promises of God (verses 5-7). David challenged the next generation to be faithful as well (1 Kings 2:1-4).
___I was blessed by having a contemporary example of this kind of life very close to me in the person of my grandmother.
___I noticed the high value she placed on her relationship with the Lord through her Bible study and prayer life. She was a blessing to others as she ministered to their needs in a practical fashion. She encouraged us to follow the dreams we felt were God's desires for our lives, knowing his promises were sure. She challenged me to be faithful to the Lord through the example she lived before me.
___When it became difficult for her to care for her personal needs, she chose to move into a residence facility in another part of the state instead of living with family. That would give her a community of people in her daily life instead of being alone, or with a nurse, while family members were at work. She lived there for 11 years before she went home to be with the Lord. Each visit was filled with her questions about what was going on in our lives.
___She was ready to see the Savior as death approached. Her only request was to have flowers in the chapel. She had missed having a garden during those later years, and she so loved flowers. As we walked into the chapel, we were overwhelmed by floral sprays covering the entire front of the chapel and spilling into the side aisles. Who could have sent all of those flowers? Friends living there did not have the resources to send flowers, and she had left our community years before. As we examined the cards, we did not even recognize most of the names. But each expressed gratitude for her ministry to their family.
___The chaplain noticed our surprise and explained that my grandmother had noticed years ago that many of the residents did not have family close enough to visit very often. The chaplains only had time to deal with crisis situations.
___"Josie took it upon herself to visit each resident on a regular basis. She informed us of needs for counsel and often wrote to family members to share insight. All of these families are merely saying thank you for her faithfulness in caring for their loved one," the chaplain told us.
___For those who are remaining faithful to serve however he makes possible--thank you. We have seen into the heart of God through you.
___And thank you for these 24 weeks in which we have shared a few moments together. May God richly bless you.
Send this story to a friend
Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!