Faithful Service
Philippians 2:17-18, Devotion #9

But even if my life is to be poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is if I am to die for you), I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you. And you should be happy about this and rejoice with me.
Philippians 2:17-18

Father, there have been times in my life that simply to keep on keeping on was a real chore. Benny's death, getting fired from a job – these were two of those times for me. Being overwhelmed with loss is so hard to handle at times. And I know at those times, my faith was strong but my faith was weak also. I was holding on with all my energy yet my energy was very weak. It is in those times of loss and disappointment that Your Spirit comes and for me, it has so often been through others - Anna's love and faith holding me up, Bob's faith for me, Jay's faith and Herb's faith. The faith of others for sure has held me strong during those times.

When I had my brain surgery I could not even pray. My mind was pretty fried and to think was nearly impossible. I know that during that time, the prayers of others carried me through. I think of many situations where tragedy strikes a man, total rejection or abandonment, total disappointment, and how they are carried through by the faith of others. What we do "to complete the sacrifice of . . . faithful service" is sometimes a very costly thing. There are definite times in life when others need us to be their prayer, be their faith, be their hope.

Father, may we be willing to "complete the sacrifice" that is called for and needed for the sake of others. May we find the strength to be the strength for others when their pain just seems too intense. We sure need the body, we need the brotherhood, we need the faith of others. Come Holy Spirit.

Thank You, Father, in Jesus name. Amen.

Love, Dad/Danny