Thirty-two Years Ago

For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain. But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. (1 Timothy 3:5-7 NIV).

I have given a great deal of thought about today’s devotional. As is my long-standing tradition, I honor the special days in my family with a thought inspired by the day. Today, thirty-two years ago, David was born! The Apostle Paul in our reading today tells us of the encouragement he has received as Timothy tells him of their pleasant memories of him and the ministry he performed when he was with them in Ephesus.

While it seems strange to use these special days as a point of inspiration, that’s precisely what happens throughout the Scripture. God uses the special people in our lives and our history with them to encourage us and bring us hope. My family has always been such an encouragement to me. This year is no exception. In fact, it may even be a bit stronger.

I have mentioned that I am the assistant coach of my grandchildren’s soccer team before, however what I haven’t mentioned is the team colors or their name. The YMCA assigns the colors, though we get to pick the team name. I didn’t know the color would be green and white until Kyle told me. At the same time he told me the team name they had selected. It was the “Green Machine.” What is significant about that is that’s the same name of one of David’s teams when he was about the same age as Faith and Logan. Naturally, it brought me back to some of the fondest of memories of the days I spent as the assistant coach of that first “Green Machine.”

It underscored an important Scriptural truth. While there are those times in our past that are painful, God also gives us experiences of joy and victory. These times are a foundation for hope and encouragement as we face the future. You see I know that God will be in control of my future because He has proven Himself faithful in the past. My Father in heaven, who is the Source of all good, will not fail to bring me good today and forever.

So, today I wish David a very happy birthday! And, I thank him for being such an inspiration to me in so many ways. He has become a wonderful young man through the years. He and his wife, Becca, are a great joy for us. As with my other children, we are proud of them; but, more we are inspired through them to His Greater Glory!