Few places provide a better spiritual assessment than a funeral home. As friends and family mourn the loss of a loved one, it is usually easy to distinguish believers from unbelievers. If the deceased lived a Christian life that persevered until the end, there is a sense of joy that underlies the mourning and girds up the grief with hope.
In those times, true Christian witness is evident. While Gospel tracts and canned evangelistic presentations can be useful in certain circumstances, true witnessing happens when the grace of Christ shines through in the darkest times of trial. How we respond to seemingly unbearable circumstances shows Christ in a powerful way to a watching world. No pretense, no sales job, no plastic smiles—just a peace that is beyond all human comprehension.
I came across a self-professed blogger “with baggage” (immoral lifestyle, emotional issues, etc.) who said that she used to attend FBC Maryville, Illinois, where Pastor Fred Winters was recently murdered. After Pastor Fred was killed, she posted the following:
Job 19:25-27
HT: Tom Ascol
In those times, true Christian witness is evident. While Gospel tracts and canned evangelistic presentations can be useful in certain circumstances, true witnessing happens when the grace of Christ shines through in the darkest times of trial. How we respond to seemingly unbearable circumstances shows Christ in a powerful way to a watching world. No pretense, no sales job, no plastic smiles—just a peace that is beyond all human comprehension.
I came across a self-professed blogger “with baggage” (immoral lifestyle, emotional issues, etc.) who said that she used to attend FBC Maryville, Illinois, where Pastor Fred Winters was recently murdered. After Pastor Fred was killed, she posted the following:
Cindy Winters, Fred’s widow, gave her husband’s eulogy yesterday and said “I’m not going to hate.” Can you even imagine saying that about the person who killed the father of your children? Can you imagine what it took for her to stand up there less than a week after her husband of over twenty years died so close to where she was standing yesterday?The peace that passes all understanding is on display in the life of Cindy Winters, and the world is watching. May God continue to pour out His sustaining grace on Cindy and their daughters. And may He multiply their witness of His marvelous, matchless, infinite grace to a watching world.
I wish I had that sort of strength and faith. I believe in God and in being good and living a good life, but I don’t know if I could ever have what Cindy Winters has in her heart. Maybe that would make a difference, more than any story Terry Joe Sedlacek can tell us. Because no matter what he says, we won’t say “Oh, well THAT explains it perfectly.”
Job 19:25-27
HT: Tom Ascol
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment