Remembering Colin
December 29th is an anniversary I never look forward to. Seven years ago today Colin stepped into the presence of Jesus. Perhaps you wonder why I would choose this year of all years to publicly remember that, but in Scripture seven is the number of perfection or completion! Though nothing about this journey seems perfect (or complete) I think that it is a milestone that marks both God’s faithfulness and His kindness.
I remember how seven years ago my hands used to tremble each time I had to take to the computer to pay a monthly bill and how even the smallest of decisions seemed to overwhelm me then. Today, I routinely do both of those things without breaking a sweat as I’ve come to appreciate Paul’s words more deeply: “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength”.
The entire quote comes from Philippians 4:12-14 where Paul acknowledges: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.”
Though my trials have been far different than Paul’s, like him I have come to know that contentment is something to be learned — it does not come naturally to us. It is a gift to be received from God as we fully rely on Him to give us His strength irrespective of our circumstances.
Paul concludes, telling his friends that “it was good of you to share in my troubles” and I want to echo those words today. Many of you have stood with me and this ministry in various ways over the years, and for that I am so grateful. Every encouraging word you have spoken, every prayer you have prayed, every gift you have given as Paul would say in verse 18 and 19: “are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”
I wanted to remember Colin’s wonderful life of humor, steadfastness and servant-leadership on this anniversary, as well as the Lord’s kindness reflected in all of you these past seven years. Thank you. The Lord is faithful. He takes care of His own and just as the Scriptures promise in Luke 1:37 “… no word from God will ever fail.”
May God bless you all,
Michele
I remember how seven years ago my hands used to tremble each time I had to take to the computer to pay a monthly bill and how even the smallest of decisions seemed to overwhelm me then. Today, I routinely do both of those things without breaking a sweat as I’ve come to appreciate Paul’s words more deeply: “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength”.
The entire quote comes from Philippians 4:12-14 where Paul acknowledges: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.”
Though my trials have been far different than Paul’s, like him I have come to know that contentment is something to be learned — it does not come naturally to us. It is a gift to be received from God as we fully rely on Him to give us His strength irrespective of our circumstances.
Paul concludes, telling his friends that “it was good of you to share in my troubles” and I want to echo those words today. Many of you have stood with me and this ministry in various ways over the years, and for that I am so grateful. Every encouraging word you have spoken, every prayer you have prayed, every gift you have given as Paul would say in verse 18 and 19: “are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”
I wanted to remember Colin’s wonderful life of humor, steadfastness and servant-leadership on this anniversary, as well as the Lord’s kindness reflected in all of you these past seven years. Thank you. The Lord is faithful. He takes care of His own and just as the Scriptures promise in Luke 1:37 “… no word from God will ever fail.”
May God bless you all,
Michele
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