"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).

Joe came into the church in personal and family conflict. He tells me he was bitter. Among other things he and his wife were in disagreement concerning church attendance. But somehow she managed to persuade him to come that Palm Sunday morning. A big, burly man he didn't seem happy to be there at all and as I stretched out my hand to greet him I wondered if he was going to snap at me!

Three weeks later Joe responded to an altar call. He gave his heart to the Lord and began the transformation process that continues to this day some 25 years later.  His three children, who were just little tikes when I first met them are now grown and married.  Joe and Jane are blessed with six grandchildren. He joyfully testifies to the change in his life and remains active in ministry to boys where he seeks to influence them to live for Christ.

One of the most poignant memories I have of Joe was a footwashing service several years after he came into faith. I was preaching from John 13 concerning Christ's example and asked him if I could publicly wash his feet as a dynamic sermon illustration. He agreed and it's become one of my greatest ministry memories. I am sure there are many who were in the church at that time who still remember that message!

This prompts a challenge to my fellow believers to steadfastness as we all undergo the transformation process that begins when we accept Christ.  I recall some really rough spots early on with Joe, but he has persevered.  Elsewhere the apostle Paul tells us that we "are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18).

You may be impatient with the pace of transformation in your life or that of a loved one. You may really be hitting some rough spots in life's journey. Stay faithful dear friend. Don't give up, but keep pressing on. For Joe and for all of us who have accepted Christ we have this assurance: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Note from Brooksyne: Not too long after Joe received Christ a devastating fire swept through their mobile home destroying everything they owned. Jane and the youngest child missed being in the midst of this fire, only by minutes.  Our church and the community really reached out to them. Though it was a tremendous hardship it was through this difficult time that we saw Joe's confidence in the Lord grow. It opened a door for them to purchase a home and have a spot of land to raise their children on, where he and Jane still live.

God's faithfulness is revealed in so many ways, but particularly in the devastating experiences of our lives.  It's His way of saying, Fear not; for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties; yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My victorious right hand of rightness and justice (Isaiah 41:10 Amplified Bible).

This morning I pick up my Mom up at the rehab center and she will be returning to our home where she lives with us. She has recovered from her knee replacement surgery very well and is excited about coming home, getting back to church, and seeing her friends at the senior center.  Your prayers were greatly appreciated when she was going through real rough times during her recovery.

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
 
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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