God Gained an Angel.......

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:13-15

Our church family at Riverwood Community Chapel and God’s universal church, lost a wonderful, wonderful servant, our precious Shannon. I’ve been thinking about her, nearly constantly, for the last few months, since her diagnosis. When I’m running on the treadmill I have a lot of time to think, pray and reflect. This morning during my devotional I read the above scripture Romans 10:13-15 and I’m reminded that I am called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, something Shannon did so well. What a beautiful example she was to me and the many who knew and loved her. I began to “size myself up” and God reminded me of so many of the things he tells me in his Word like, “you won’t know the hour or the day”, and, “I will come like a thief in the night”, and more, “diligently work out your salvation”….I have work to do! Shannon’s death brings to me an urgency like I’ve not felt before. She was diagnosed with cancer around the same time as I was diagnosed with my brain tumor. Our outcomes were very, very different. Today I am thankfully healthy and Shannon is now sitting at the feet of our Savior, praising him and giving him glory. While those of us who mourn her are deeply saddened by her absence, we KNOW where she is and that we’ll see her again someday. That is not only comfort for us but hope! Hope beyond this world! Praise God! However, my story didn’t end at healthy…instead where healthy left off I have an urgency and heart’s desire to spread the Good News and to love others as Christ loves me. I still believe in miracles….I prayed for a miracle for Shannon every single day. Even Jesus went off alone and asked God to “take the cup from him should it be his will” but he also said “your will not mine”……and he did that right up until “the” time. I believed, with all my whole heart, that God COULD have performed that miracle because, in my mind, Shannon had SO much more to give. But I also realize that I do not know God’s plan….God sees the end of the story…..I do not have that ability. I want to be like Shannon. I want to stand before God and hear “well done, good and faithful servant”, as I know Shannon heard. I want a hope that is MUCH MORE than this world could ever give. I want to LIVE FOREVER!! And with Christ I WILL!! If you don’t know Christ as your Savior and the hope and everlasting life that he freely gives….please, please, please pick up a Bible and read the book of Romans or seek out a church or Pastor or friend! I absolutely guarantee it will change your heart forever! In a few short months someone I admire and love is gone….and of course, I mourn…..for her family and friends, but for her I REJOICE! She is in no more pain, her body is healed for eternity! Praise God!