Friday May 20th, 2016 Romans 5:1-5
And hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. (verse 5)
Last spring, I was called back to the upper Ottawa Valley to say Godspeed to a dear friend dying from cancer and commend him to our Lord. I had ministered to Sab and his wife as he struggled for years with that disease, its treatments and a fire that destroyed their home a couple of years before his death. His hopefulness amidst such illness, pain and destruction were amazing. His musical creativity and impresario skills gathered thousands at their farm each summer for a family-oriented rock festival, while his body diminished in stature and strength.
Sab’s history was rough-cut and his language was colourful. Yet there was a grace about him that brought people forward to find courage in their own lives. His source for living to the best of his ability was a loving God who had redeemed him and blessed him with family and many helpful friends. Our visits usually ended with his words of blessing for my wife (a cancer buddy) and me. This very ill, dying man showed courage to move forward in faith and hope, assured that God was indeed blessing us.
Praise God for his gift of hope and those who live it. Amen. — SO
Contributed by Even in Our Sufferings
Last spring, I was called back to the upper Ottawa Valley to say Godspeed to a dear friend dying from cancer and commend him to our Lord. I had ministered to Sab and his wife as he struggled for years with that disease, its treatments and a fire that destroyed their home a couple of years before his death. His hopefulness amidst such illness, pain and destruction were amazing. His musical creativity and impresario skills gathered thousands at their farm each summer for a family-oriented rock festival, while his body diminished in stature and strength.
Sab's history was rough-cut and his language was colourful. Yet there was a grace about him that brought people forward to find courage in their own lives. His source for living to the best of his ability was a loving God who had redeemed him and blessed him with family and many helpful friends. Our visits usually ended with his words of blessing for my wife (a cancer buddy) and me. This very ill, dying man showed courage to move forward in faith and hope, assured that God was indeed blessing us.
