Dear Terry,
I cannot help but think of two biblical truths as I look back over this past year in God’s dealing with you. From June till January, your life has been hovered over by the Almighty’s wings in a very special way. As you realize now, there was more than one time when we thought the Lord was going to transfer your citizenship from earth to Glory. Accordingly, at least in my limited time on earth with the Lord, I cannot remember a chorus of international prayer that was sent up to our Heavenly Father by so many saints. Your life and testimony has transcended so many boundaries that it took at least three language-groups of prayer to cover your needs! And as I told you before, I don’t do funerals in Indiana in the Fall of the year. I realize that we have this spoken agreement over who does the other’s funeral, but I didn’t realize that you were going to possibly put it to the test so quickly. We’re both too ornery to be headed for heaven yet. But back to the two lessons… The first lesson comes from the statement you made to your oldest son in the hospital room when you were facing the second of about a dozen more surgeries to come: “Do you believe in the sovereignty of God?” His retort was just as telling, “Do you?” One thing is for sure; over the next four months you would have your opportunity to plumb the lines of your frailty over against your Shepherd’s caring arms. I remember your strained vocal chords repeating (when you could talk), “I can’t believe how weak I am.” Seems to me Paul had an answer for that…when we’re weak, His strength is perfected. The other lesson is your conformity to image of His Son. My friend, you were gracious before this long physical marathon; you are now even more so. I rejoice in the tenderness of your heart, the sensitivity to God’s working in your life now. With each passing day, there is mirrored in your testimony the sweet countenance of Jesus. No, neither you nor I would have picked such a path for you to travel to bring you to this special point of Christ-likeness, but our Heavenly Father knew it was just what you (and those who love you so much) needed. I thank you for being His tender instrument. It, again, has caused us who love you so much, to sit back in redemptive awe to see God’s hand upon you. By the way, that standing ovation you received last Sunday as you returned for the first time in over half a year to the pulpit, it’s just a whisper of the immense praise we will all give the Lamb of God when we thank Him for helping us to be conformed to the image of His Son this side of glory. Soli Deo Gloria, my friend! For now and all eternity!