Remembering Them

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7 (New American Standard Bible)

Last night, I met with a friend whom I had not seen for several years. We did some catching up and sharing of present happenings with our children. Then the conversation turned to a time of review. What an experience to look back over four and a half years and list the many things God has done! I felt compelled to tell her of my journey out of legalism and the many changes that came about because of it. As I spoke, it became evident to me that God had used an individual in profound ways to start me on my journey. The impact she made on my life was huge and were it not for God crossing my path with her, I don’t know how long it would have taken me to come out of my life style of performance and fear or IF I would have come out of it.

This morning as I read today’s verse, this individual once again came to mind. She led me, taught me God’s word, was an example to me, and left me with a pattern of faith to imitate. Her spiritual influence and fingerprints are evident in my life to this day. Although she is no longer a part of my journey I rejoice in the season of time God allowed her to be! I can say with joy that I am NOT the same person I was when she first entered my life. I am not even the same person I was when she was led to release me to walk without her. Truly, God’s ways have been higher than my own!

I think back over my Christian life of 35 years and I can recall numerous individuals who led me, spoke God’s word to me, and lived lives that were worth imitating. They were each used of God to instilled valuable things into my life. They came along side me, walked with me for a while, and left profound marks on my life. What I am today has a direct correlation to who they were for me in the past. With any one of them I would have chosen to remain. Without God’s insistence I would have been content to continue under their teaching and influence. But then I realize if that had been the case, there would have been many relationships I would have missed out on and many things I would have not learned. The result would have been a stunting of my growth.

Just as God called the children of Israel out of Egypt, God has had many “calling out of” moments in my life. I am learning to treasure that aspect because of the good that comes from it. While there are times I look back and long for those places of delight, I know He still has much in store for me and so I journey on.

Father, thank you for the individuals You hand picked to be in my life. They have been treasured gifts to me. Amen.

Painting Pictures of Egypt - Sara Groves
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZcIA4Cnj6j4

I welcome your questions and comments to any devotional thoughts. I am honored and delighted to share my journey with you and privileged to hear of yours.