Author: Jacquelin Stoner

Jacqui is a writer, teacher, life coach, and an encourager. She walks alongside of individuals who need help navigating to the better place God has envisioned for their lives. She has discovered that God is central to genuine lasting life change.

THE LURE

I am definitely not that person – the one who walks in McDonalds, talks to the clerk taking their order, and within five minutes leads the individual to Christ.

I am definitely not that person – the one who walks in McDonalds, talks to the clerk taking their order, and within five minutes leads the individual to Christ. Blessed are the people who own that gift. For years I thought there was something wrong with me; if I just had better skills, I could be that person. How can I be a fisher of men?

TOOLS OF GREAT FISHERMEN

Maybe I have a misconception regarding fishing. While visiting an antique shop, I saw tools of great fishermen, fishing lures. An entire case filled with them. Did you know there are categories of lures? The main groups are soft plastics, hard baits and jigs. Within these categories, specific lure types vary widely, such as swimbaits, spinnerbaits, spoons, and flies, each designed to mimic different prey or imitate various underwater movements to attract fish. The basic reason for all these lures is to attract and draw in the fish. The variety of the lures is astounding.

DALE’S STORY

All fishermen fish, but the lures they use vary. What type of lures can you use? Years ago, my husband worked in a machine shop while going to college. Let’s say the response to the Gospel was not overwhelmingly positive among his co-workers. Their manager had a habit of losing his temper and throwing machine parts at the employees he was angry at. What brought the negative response was that the same manager would carry gospel tracts in his pocket and leave them in the men’s bathroom for his employees to read. My husband never carried a tract with him but built a friendship with his co-workers. Bill particularly engaged in conversations with a man named Dale. During their interactions Bill would give glimpses of His relationship to Christ, but it never got into a deep interchange. It was just a natural part of Bill’s conversations. One day Dale walked up to Bill and said, “I believe, I believe what you told me.”

Of course, Bill asked, “You believe what?” That opened heaven’s doors. Dale wanted to know all about heaven and how to get to heaven. After further conversation, Dale received Christ. In God’s mercy, this was a blessing of timing. Within a year Dale died of a sudden heart attack. Bill’s fishing lure was casually and naturally interjecting Christ into conversations. He was winsome, loving, and honest, genuinely caring about getting to know Dale. God took it from there.

THE SCREAMING MAN WITH THE SIGN

When I worked downtown Lancaster, Fridays on the town square would be a man holding up a large sign featuring a Bible verse. He would yell at the people and cars passing that they were going to hell and needed to be saved. If I was an unbeliever, his lure would drive me away. The lure that might attract me would be a friendly conversation about Christ. A natural and kind interaction.

ALL FISHERMEN, BUT DIFFERENT LURES

All believers are called to be fishers of men, to attract people to Christ. Not all believers are gifted to work using the same lures. God knows this. He just wants us to make ourselves available and obedient in whatever situation we find ourselves, and to let God handle the results. You may not be that person at McDonalds, but you are a fisherman fully called to reach others for Christ. Let Him show you the tools, the lures, which will best equip you in His ministry. The world is filled with Dales, just waiting for you.

Follow Me [as My disciples, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk], and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mark 1:16-20) That is Jesus’ promise.

UNGUARDED WORDS REVEAL THE HEART

Thousands of words flew out of people’s mouths this past week while responding to the news reports of a major assassination.

Thousands of words flew out of people’s mouths this past week while responding to the news reports of a major assassination. Feedback came from all over the world. I heard cries over the loss over a great orator, cries of his family over the loss of a husband and father, and cries from believers over the loss of a man who always made sure people knew who Jesus was. Tragically, I also heard cries of joy over a man’s death because they disagreed with Charlie Kirk. Regardless of the political dialogue he engaged in, Charlie always made sure people knew Who Christ is. Jesus was his only Savior, not politics.

THE VALUE OF LIFE

What are we when as a society citizens celebrate the assassination of human life? Every human being is created by God, regardless of their political affiliation.

A HEART REVEALED

“You see, by dint of will people can make a good showing for a time, but sooner or later there will come that unguarded moment when the “careless word” will slip out to reveal the true condition of the heart. If we are full of compassion, it will be revealed; if we are full of bitterness, that also will be revealed.” (Richard J. Foster wrote in “Celebration of Discipline”)

JESUS’ RESPONSE

The Bible tells us exactly how Jesus would respond both to the death of His worst political enemy and also to Charlie’s death. Jesus taught, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven… If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors (pagans) doing that?”(Matt 5:43-46) Anger and contempt are equal to murder (Matt. 5:21-22). 

REACTIONS FROM THE CROSS

Jesus did not just teach “love your enemy”, He reacted by living it. The Roman cross was the most brutal form of execution of its day. As His broken body was dying on the cross, Jesus’ heart filled with compassion. Instead of spewing hate at those torturing Him, He prayed for the people directly responsible for his death (Luke 23:34). He was filled with sadness and compassion for His enemies.

THOSE WHO LIVE DAILY UNDER THREAT OF DEATH

The purpose of the assassin’s bullet this past week is not new to this time or place. It was meant to make a point, to silence Charlie. Opposition, persecution and death have been part of God’s people’s existence from the earliest days. Today more than 350,000,000 Christians follow Jesus in parts of the world where daily they live under constant threat of death.   

BE PREPARED TO ANSWER

Jesus tells us in I Peter 3:15-16, “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” God requires us to have compassion for those who are lost and pray for them. We are even required to pray for the salvation of the assassin of Charlie Kirk, as well as the people celebrating his death. Prayers like this separate religious people from Christ followers. What thousands of words and thoughts are flowing out of your heart? How will you choose to respond?

WHAT COULD BE BETTER?

“Wait until you have Mr. Stoner as a sub; he is the best ever!”

Thy tiny 1st grader ran up to me, gave me a hug, and said, “Mrs. Stoner, you are the best substitute teacher I have ever had!” Wow what good taste this child had! Of course, it was the beginning of the school year, she may have never had a substitute teacher before, and I was only assigned to her for half a day.

I responded, “Wait until you have Mr. Stoner as a sub; he is the best ever!”

WHAT COULD BE BETTER?

This is the line of response Jesus gave His disciples when they worried about His talk of His departure. They spent up to three years living with Him. How could His departure be for their good? What could be better?

Jesus responds: But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you].  (John 16:7).

24/7 CARE

To their advantage? Yes! They would have the permanent benefit of having a constant Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener with them 24/7. An upgrade in care extending through the centuries for all believers Jesus deeply cares for.

CONTINUAL UPGRADED BENEFIT

Because He loved them, Jesus requested of the Father to: give another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you. (John 14:16-17) A continual upgraded benefit.

The Spirit of Truth for believers. Sorely needed in the confusing world we in live in today where truth is in short supply.

RADICAL CHANGE

In “Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit” Francis Chan makes this observation: “If we read and believed these accounts, we would expect a great deal of the Holy Spirit. He would not be a mostly forgotten member of the Godhead whom we occasionally give a nod of recognition to, which is what He has become in most American churches. We would expect our new life with the Holy Spirit to look radically different from our old life without Him.”

The disciples appreciated and loved Jesus for their basic training, but Jesus wanted more for them: the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

CALLED TO BE OUR HELPER

That little first grade girl thought I was wonderful, but she had no idea that my husband thrives on being a substitute teacher. This is his calling. The calling of the Holy Spirit is to be our Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth.

Are you appreciating what God offers? He always plans greater things for us than we can imagine.

2,800 HOURS CAN ROCK THE WORLD

Many professing believers said to him, “I’ll be praying for you. I’ll be thinking about you”. None said, “I have an extra room you can stay in.”

My friend Jeff encountered a massive obstacle. Not due to any fault of his own, he faced the prospect of being homeless. The timing of this was formidable. He came out of complicated major surgery and faced release from the hospital. His heart cried out to God. Many professing believers said to him, “I’ll be praying for you. I’ll be thinking about you”. None said, “I have an extra room you can stay in.” Jeff felt very alone within his church family.

GENUINE HOSPITALITY

Where is the love described in Hebrews 13:1-3? “Let love of your fellow believers continue. Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers [especially among the family of believers—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously].”

PAGANS FLED…THE CHRISTIANS STAYED

What is the church’s role in taking care of hurting people? The earliest Christian church rose to emergencies. “Hospital” comes from the Latin word hospes, meaning “guest” or “host,”. It originally referred to a place of lodging and care for travelers or strangers. Kyle King notes: “While the pagans fled out of fear of plagues sweeping through the cities, the Christians stayed to care for the sick and the dying. Not fearing the ‘sting’ of death because of their hope in heaven, the Christians became mobile nurses of plague victims. This effort not only revealed the radical love of Christ, but it also caused the Christian movement to grow even more rapidly.”

ENTERTAINING ANGELS

Furthermore, “The hospital became a primary way for the ‘preaching of the pulpit.’ How do we care for challenging individuals God puts before us? Say, we give a low-ball estimate of 700 for adult believers at GCC who can give love which comes at a personal cost: time, effort, patience, and money. Do you number among those who immediately answer, “Yes, count me in!”? Hebrews says, “some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Have you served angels?

REMEMBER…REMEMBER

Hebrews tells us to remember.  “Remember those who are in prison, as if you were their fellow prisoner, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body [and subject to physical suffering].” This is not a suggestion; it is a command. True believers are supposed to be in the midst, caring for others when it is messy and inconvenient. This comes at a cost to our own plans and fortunes. Do you number among believers who readily offer this type of love? Was Jeff an angel who many chose to ignore?

That’s why a friend of ours anchors his ministry in Lancaster Prison. He not only ministers at the prison but also invites to GCC prisoners freshly released from the system. It can be messy and inconvenient, but God brings great blessings to his efforts.

2,800 HOURS OF CHANGING THE WORLD

Is GCC known as a safe haven, as a congregation which welcomes with open arms those who are neglected, without hope, and friendless? What would happen if every adult and teen in our congregation gave one hour a week to care for others? A low-ball estimate would total at least 700 hours of caring for believers, strangers, prisoners, and those in need of loving caring hands. One month of such ministry would mean 2,800 hours of community care. Can you imagine the impact that the Gospel could make in our county, our state, our country?

BOTH WORLD AND HEAVEN AWAIT YOU

Will it be said in your eulogy, that you “never forgot to care for the poor and miserable. He/she numbered among the more than 700 believers choosing to serve by displaying the radical love of Christ.” The world and heaven both wait for your response.

HIS WHISPER

I realize I journeyed into “silent mode” with my friends. The worries leave little room for my heart to dwell elsewhere.

Finally, a moment to breathe. I sit at a large window waiting for my appointment.  The schedule runs late. During this time, I reflect. I realize I journeyed into “silent mode” with my friends. Taking up an inordinate amount of my brain are huge concerns regarding my appointment with the retinal specialist. Had the my macular edema increased? Was there permanent eye damage? My journey regarding vision has been a bumpy road for numerous years. The worries leave little room for my heart to dwell elsewhere.

GOD NUDGES ME, “COME BACK!”

I received the doctor’s verdict. The news is good.  Suddenly, I notice the sun shining. I didn’t notice the beauty of the sky or anything else while my spirit traveled off track. Health concerns consumed me. God whispers but the noise in my mind clangs so fiercely that I ignore His voice. He nudges me, “Come back!”

There are no assurances that my eye condition won’t worsen; that further treatment won’t be necessary. Regardless, He is still in control. Yes, I exist with a persistent low hum of fear in my spirit regarding my permanent double vision and lack of depth perception. Going for a walk can be quite an adventure when I cannot tell where the curb is.

GOD’S PLAN IS NOT SILENT MODE

However, God accompanies me on every walk. The days I find it difficult to read words on a page, He is there. My loving Savior leads me, even though it is challenging for me to see in the dark. He wants me to sing, to laugh and to talk with Him. God’s plan for me is not the silent mode.

And so, I continue talking with my Savior. The road may seem uncertain, but He knows the way.

I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord’s mercy. I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. When I am overwhelmed, You alone know the way I should turn. (Psalm 142:1-3)

HEAVEN’S HOT MIC

Reacting to a sound bite, I yell at the TV, calling that person stupid and an idiot.

I attended my son’s basketball games and (to his embarrassment) I frequently loudly yelled encouragement from the stands. During a heated battle with a particular team, a parent was ejected from the game. No, it was not me! The parent in question was screaming taunts and jeers at the ref. I knew this unruly father proclaimed himself as a believer. I hung my head in shame for the dishonor he brought to our Heavenly Father.

WHO CARRIES YOU AWAY?

Some people might say, “Oh, it was just a sports game. People just get carried away. They were just in the moment.” Let me pose the question, “Who carries you away?” I don’t think the Holy Spirit performed the carrying in that game.

A HOT MIC MOMENT

Heaven’s hot mic was turned on. A “hot mic” is a microphone turned on and it broadcasts publicly something considered private. All the angels heard the hot mic recording of that parent’s foul and abusive language.

FOUL AND ABUSIVE LANGUAGE

Scripture is clear.  Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful…And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. (Ephesians 4:29-32)The Apostle Paul speaks plainly. He refers to words that are coarse, obscene and not acceptable in polite speech. Words you don’t want on permanent record and caught on a hot mic.  Things you would not say it if Jesus was right in the room. However, Jesus is right in the room!!!! Just because you can’t see Him, He still hears us and knows our hearts. Heaven’s hot mic is live.

POLITE SUBSTITUTIONS FOR BAD WORDS

As nice believers, we may adopt what we consider polite substitutions for abusive or four-letter words. Once I was on a mission trip. One of my co-workers constantly and habitually used the expression “freaking”. I finally pulled him aside and said, “Every time you say that word with that tone of voice, I hear its equivalent echoing from my own past. Could you please not say it? I want to put my painful sins in the rear mirror.”

BROTHERHOOD OF FOUL AND ABUSE

Foul language and abusive language are brothers. Abuse is name calling and ridicule. Language considered insulting, offensive, disrespectful, and intended to cause pain.

Have I ever called someone “stupid”, “worthless”, or an “idiot”?  Yes, guilty as charged.

I watch the news and can’t believe the behaviors of individuals. Reacting to a sound bite, I yell at the TV, calling that person stupid and an idiot. Jesus warned: If you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. (Matthew 5:22) It is okay to disagree with someone, but using abusive language is clearly not acceptable for Heaven’s hot mic.

DON’T GRIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own. Don’t be the parent ranting from the basketball stands. Refuse to be the one who thinks substituting a four-letter word with an equivalent is a sound idea. Never, never be the child of God who ridicules and disrespects individuals. They called Jesus every name in the book; cursed him right and left, but He always honored God in His speech.

He calls believers His dear children. Who do you belong to? What is heaven recording on your hot mic?

DO YOU WANT TO GET WELL?

Are you willing to be transformed?

“Do you want to get well?” was the question posed to Joe by a stranger. Joe spent 38 years of his life not being able to walk. Yes, he regularly went to services where healers made great claims. However, Joe never was wheeled on stage where he could get full treatment from a healer. He finally resigned himself to living with his handicap. He found that making ends meet wasn’t that difficult with his disability checks and contributions from his church and friends.

ARROGANT QUESTION FROM A STRANGER

Why in the world did that a stranger approach him and ask, “Do you want to get well?” Seems like an arrogant question to ask someone who has spent thirty-eight years in a wheelchair.

THE HONORABLE PROFESSION OF BEGGING

Was Jesus also arrogant when he asked the disabled man (we will call this man “Joe #2”) “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6) Maybe some historical context will help. In Jewish society, it is considered a blessing to give money to the poor. Social construct is you do a good work, and God gives back to you. Begging in Jesus’ day was an honorable profession. Joe #2’s job was begging. Yes, he had to make an appearance at the Pool of Salome every day to collect his due, but that was not a huge hardship. After thirty-eight years Joe #2 had regular donors and friends in his social circle at the Pool.

DO YOU WANT YOUR LIFE UPENDED?

When Jesus asked Joe #2 “Do you want to get well”, He was asking “Do you want your entire life upended?” Restored mobility entailed finding regular employment, not being eligible for handouts, and contributing to society. Hard stuff when you live otherwise for thirty-eight years. Did Joe #2 really want to get well? Everything in his world would change.

SPIRITUAL HISTORY

The only other facts we know about Joe #2 are spiritual history. Jesus says (and this also may sound abrupt), “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” Sounds like Joe #2 possessed spiritual disabilities also in need of healing. Did Joe #2 internally change? As he picked up his mat and danced home Did the message take root? Did he choose to become a Jesus follower?

INNER TERMINAL ILLNESS OF SIN

Some people carry disabilities outside where all can see. However, all of us carry our sin sickness inside, hidden away from praying eyes. Jesus wants to open the windows and expose us. He desires to let the fresh wind of the Holy Spirit wash over our lives.

But do we want to get well? Joe #2 broke the Jewish rules, picked up his mat and danced around on the Sabbath.  At that point he didn’t even know Who Jesus was, but he knew he wanted a life transformed.

Do you want to be transformed? Are you willing to confess and let go of the sin sicknesses which hold us hostage: anger, jealousy, gossip, fear, addiction, etc.? “Transformation” means “change or renewal from a life that no longer conforms to the ways of the world to one that pleases God” (Romans 12:2)

Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. (II Corinthians 5:17)

Again, I ask, “Do you want to get well?”

Listen to Fannie’s story of a transformed life

THE PRAYER

Henry Sr. could fix most anything, except for the heart of his son.

“Quiet down everybody! Quiet down! I’m going to pray now before we eat.” Doesn’t sound like a remarkable announcement, except it came from my brother-in-law Henry’s mouth at the Stoner Annual Corn Roast. At least four generations witnessed this declaration.

Ten years ago, Henry would rather be bitten by a snake than publicly declare, “I’m going to pray.” As host of the Corn Roast, Henry would regularly pause for prayer, but never proclaim he was going to say the prayer. He would pass the opportunity off to the “Rev.,” his brother-in-law Bill, or to his daughter, Susan.

TOO BUSY FOR GOD

Even at a young age, Henry was curious about Christianity. He had a favorite evangelist/Bible teacher he daily listened to on the radio. However, except for Easter and Christmas, Henry rarely sat in a church pew. Working two jobs to provide for his family and making repairs to his house, Henry was too busy for church.

Henry knows how to work and to work hard! It took him over a year, but he personally dug out the dirt floor of his basement in order to pour a cement floor. It may have taken several months, but he bought a kit and built an inground pool in his backyard. Maybe not “book smart” or skilled at proper grammar, Henry taught himself to fix or build most anything.

A BROKEN SON

The one thing he could not repair was his son, Henry Jr. (who we called “Little Henry”). From a young age, Little Henry exhibited learning and behavioral problems. Over the years, the struggles grew. By the time he was a teenager, the beloved son had a full-blown problem with drugs and alcohol. This tore at the hearts of Henry Sr. and his wife Julia. Henry Sr. could fix most anything, except for the heart of his son.

THE ACCIDENT

Then came the accident. Drunk and walking down the middle of a dark road, Little Henry was mowed down by a car. The driver never had a chance to avoid hitting him. Emergency services rushed to the scene and Little Henry quickly received medical care. The resulting injuries, especially brain trauma, were extensive. Days became weeks as family gathered and prayed for Little Henry.

A FINAL DECISION

The family pain intensified as a final decision had to be reached regarding life support. We gathered as a family when the doctor turned off the machines.  This was not like the movies where the machines are switched off and the patient peacefully passes away. It took an additional painful two days before Little Henry took his last breath on Easter weekend.

TEARING DOWN THE WALL OF SEPARATION

This event tore open the curtain between Henry Sr. and God. All those Scriptures Henry Sr. heard over the radio began to bear fruit. The extensive nudging from his Uncle Phil regarding Jesus moved Henry Sr. from the spectator aisle in Christianity to the participant section. Henry started to pepper my husband with Bible questions. The Bible became Henry’s love letter from God.

TRANSFORMED HENRY

“Quiet down everybody! Quiet down! I’m going to pray now before we eat.” Those are the words of the transformed Henry Sr. They are the words of someone who anticipates an event far better than the Stoner Family Corn Roast. Henry Sr. is now ready for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

SPIRITUAL AWAKENING BRINGS NEW LIFE

Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. (II Corinthians 5:17)

GET ME OUT OF HERE!

Are you living in a spiritual wilderness time, asking God, “Please, just make it end. Get me out of here!!!!”

Are you living in a spiritual wilderness time, asking God, “Please, just make it end. Get me out of here!!!!” Daniel (of the Old Testament) lived in the spiritual wilderness of Babylon and Persia for a total of sixty-eight years. How does a good Jewish boy end up under these circumstances? It was not Daniel’s choice.

Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar conquered the Kingdom of Judah and “ordered Ashpenaz, his chief of staff, to bring to the palace some of the young men of Judah’s royal family and other noble families, who had been brought to Babylon as captives.‘Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,’ he said. ‘Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon.’ … They were to be trained for three years, and then they would enter the royal service. (Daniel 1:3-5)

NOT A GAP YEAR. THIS WAS PERMANENT

Strong, healthy, good-looking, smart, and of noble birth. Young Daniel meets all the requirements and is promptly carried off, never to see family or home again. This is not a voluntary choice.  It is not a “gap year”; this is permanent.

I would feel a huge amount of resentment and probably spit in the face of my captors. Furthermore, how could God betray me and discard all my dreams and aspirations? So glad that Daniel makes better choices than me.

DANGEROUS CHOICES

He and his three friends decide to not buy into blending in with the Babylonians. But isn’t this dangerous? Remember who holds the sword over their heads. The first challenge came when “the king assigned them a daily ration of food and wine from his own kitchens.” This meant violating Jewish dietary laws, and potentially eating food offered to idols. Young Daniel faces his first major test. Whose standards will he choose to live by?

BUCKING THE SYSTEM

Teenaged Daniel bucks the system. Living in a foreign culture, no human protection on his side, Daniel handles himself wisely. He says “No” but in a wise way. He asks permission from the king’s chief of staff, who already had “both respect and affection for Daniel”. (Notice that last line. David is both winsome and responsible.)

Daniel does not resort to a loud protest, demanding his rights. He requests the king’s staff, “Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water. At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.”

THE TEST

The results are phenomenal. “At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king. So after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the food and wine provided for the others.”

IT ALL BEGINS WITH ONE STEP

This is teenaged Daniel’s first major stand for God. He does it with wisdom and prayer. He goes on to a powerful career influencing both heathen King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians for God. It all begins with one step.

ASK FOR WISDOM

Are you living in a spiritual wilderness and asking God, “Please, just make it end. Get me out of here!!!!”? It wasn’t written during his time, but Daniel believed, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. (James 1:5-6)

It all begins with one step.

GETTING THROUGH UNSCATHED

Did he understand what “unscathed” means? The definition is: “whole, safe, untouched, unscratched, unhurt.” Doesn’t sound applicable.

Numerous people associated Justin’s story with tragedy. He endured severe headaches as a teenager, testing revealed a brain tumor. Surgery was right after his college freshman year. The operation went well; the recovery did not. Major medical mistakes resulted in Justin experiencing devastating brain trauma. Hundreds of people (including me) wept as we prayed for Justin to be spared and restored to his former self.

WHAT WAS TO COME?

Justin’s mom, BJ, was a nurse and the hospital sent Justin home post-surgery in a semi-coma. It’s a step above a vegetative state and below full consciousness. No one knew what was to come and how sizeable the brain damage would prove. After extensive time, Justin emerged, but blind, lacking short-term memory, and severely disabled.

He needed care 24/7. Exhausted BJ was his primary caregiver. The church rallied around and supplied an army of loving and dedicated caregivers. Family moved from out of state to help take up the slack. All helpers were in it for the long term. Did anyone know it would be the long term of 27 years?

LIVING UNSCATHED

Regardless of limited communication skills, there is one phrase Justin would often say to his caregivers: “Thanks for getting me through life unscathed.” Did he understand what “unscathed” means? The definition is: “whole, safe, untouched, unscratched, unhurt.” Doesn’t sound applicable.

RESTORED 27 YEARS LATER

Justin finally was restored, but not in the time frame originally prayed for 27 years ago. Last week, he died from cancer. I went to his funeral. Justin traveled to heaven at the age of 46. Full body restoration finally achieved. Over half his life, he lived with severe limitations. How does “unscathed” fit into this? Is this a cosmic joke?

THE LIFE OF SIGNIFICANCE

Not at all. At the memorial service, one would have thought a celebrity had died. Justin could barely communicate, yet the number of people who loved him is innumerable. Over and over, friends and family mentioned Justin’s joy and his love for Jesus. Often people dropped by his home expecting to help Justin and his family. They didn’t anticipate that Justin would give back much more than he received. The man in the wheelchair led a significant life.

LIVING WELL

Something that blew me away was when his brother mentioned that Justin “lived well”. Pre-surgery Justin loved Jesus, missions, and dreamed of becoming a poultry farmer. God’s plans were much bigger. Disabled Justin became an ambassador for Christ making a profound impact on others. Justin lived well.

His brother said that if Justin could choose to do it over again, he knows Justin would not change the trajectory God placed him on. Justin’s faith and cheerful spirit spoke volumes to those around him. His life is celebrated. 

DEFINE YOUR LIFE BACKWARDS

Remember that phrase: “Thanks for getting me through life unscathed”? Somewhere in his spirit, Justin made an eternal connection for the term unscathed. Yes, his body was broken, but his faith remained whole, safe, untouched, unscratched and unhurt. “Søren Kierkegaard wrote, “Define your life backwards and then live it forward; determine at the outset where you want to be at the end of your journey.” Justin from an early age knew how he wanted to end up: his life a symphony of praise for Jesus.

Heaven rocks in jubilation for this man with a broken body who chose to live for Christ. Justin lived unscathed.