Faith, By Example

November 21, 2015 6:43 am Published by 2 Comments
Grace13Crop8x10I’m 77 years old.
I stand 5 ft. 3 inches tall.
I’m not going to tell you how much I weigh.
I live in a small town called Douglassville, PA.
 
All of those facts are true, but none of those things define me. Allow me in this blog to spell out some of the characteristics that do define me, signs that represent my life. And maybe these thoughts will spur you on in your own walk with the Lord. 

The silhouette of a warrior woman with storm clouds in the background.I picked up the following quote from Dawn Hawkins, a 42-year-old single mother who works for a North Philadelphia nonprofit advocacy group. On the wall next to her desk she has posted the saying, “Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning, the devil says, ‘Oh, crap, she’s up.’ ”

Thanks, Dawn. That’s the kind of woman I want to be—not someone who just exists.
I don’t want to be someone who just meets the bottom line, not someone who merely gets by. I don’t want to be that woman who goes through the motions, acting holy. If you ever see me sleep walking through life, please shake me and wake me up. I want to be living the kind of life that Satan worries about.
dr philDr. Phil has written a book, LIFE Strategies—Doing What Works, Doing What Matters. I like that title. I hope my life is defined by doing what matters. And when we talk about what matters we have eternity in mind. If Satan could get me all excited about a new pair of shoes or becoming a successful business woman he’d like that. But I get excited about planting seeds of hope as I share the Word of God at a ladies retreat. I love it when I can lead someone to find forgiveness in Jesus. When a young person steps up to the call of global missions it’s the best reward. I’m doing what matters when I see people spiritually revitalized through my testimony.
The story of Enoch in the Bible gets under my skin. He walked with God (Genesis 5:22). His was a life of faith (Hebrews 11:5). Yes, I’m 77 but so what. I’m walking by faith and that’s what matters.
What does walking by faith mean? For me it means that God is front and center in my life. I put time and energy into our relationship. I ask Him for counsel and courage. I ask Him for gracious words for people who come across my path. I ask for ideas and clarity when I’m preparing messages or need to get a point across. We can talk about anything, and we do. I follow him by faith, which some people in this materialistic world find hard to understand. But my dearest wish is that they do understand, that they can see how it’s done. So I try to show them. I try to show them my faith, by example. In the next few weeks you’re going to hear me use that phrase often. Call it my mission statement. Faith by example.
tree by riverSome of my favorite verses in the Bible are Jeremiah 17:7-8. I’m drawn to passages that have word pictures, and this one is about a tree growing by the water. Because its roots go down to that stream, the tree “does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
I want to be that woman who, like this tree, has roots going down into God’s Word, and drinking deeply from His love. Sure, there are times of drought. I know a little about that, but like the tree, I don’t have to worry. I can still stand strong and bear fruit because my root system has locked into that living water (vs. 13). It’s a lovely picture, isn’t it?
If you are thirsty, come!
If you want life-giving water,
Come and take it.
It’s free!
 
–Rev. 21:17 CEV
The verse (6) just before this word picture, talks about “a bush in the wastelands.” What a contrast. I choose the luscious fruit tree instead of the bush in the wastelands. And though I’m only 5’ 3” tall, and yes, 77 years old, I’ll keep standing strong.
Did I just hear a growl behind me? “Oh, crap, she’s up again.”
faith
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This post was written by Grace Fabian

2 Comments

  • Ruthie Mumbauer says:

    Dear Grace,
    Just got up at 2:48 in the morning because I can’t sleep. I made some sleepy time tea, so while its steeping I checked email and saw your blog….such encouraging words for me this morning!
    Yes I m walking. by faith and its the only way I can survive in this crazy world.
    Many thanks for coming to Mom’s Celebration of Life. Your encouragement was so meaningful. Could you send your log to my Dad? Email is Leon_schanely@sil.org. thanks again
    I want to be like the woman you write about.

  • Adeline Moore Knorr says:

    Dear Grace,
    It’s refreshing to read your letters.
    I take courage from your stamina- from your faithfulness!
    I keep wanting to tell people I’ll be 80 in 3 months- but no one asks! I do look forward to meeting my Lord.
    I’ll send you my Christmas/news letter.
    Keeping you in my prayers, Adeline (in Oregon)

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