Encouragement from a father

In sorting through files the other day I discovered a three page note from my father, written on March 1, 1969. This note, which is very special to me, is made even more so when I see the markings of smoke damage around the edges. It was among the few documents and photographs saved from a fire that destroyed my rental home when I was 26 years old.

At the time this note was written I was 16 years old, just two weeks short of my 17th birthday. Dad was in Washington, D.C., separated from his wife and six children yet again as his career in politics called him away -- this time for a bit longer than usual.

It is obvious Dad's letter is written in response to a letter he had received from me. I would love to know the content of that note. It is clear that I was experiencing some teen-age angst, as he opens one paragraph: "I think I know from memory some of the thoughts and problems that 'bug' you at this point."

Still, it is not the details of that letter exchange that matter so much today. Rather, I am reminded of the priceless blessing of growing up with godly parents -- especially a father who acknowledged that his strength, his hope -- were in the Lord.

"Talking to others your age is good," Dad wrote. "Too few adults know how to be helpful even tho they mean well."

Then he wrote: "Prayer may not seem a quick solution to questions and frustrations, but it is the very finest way -- trusting that day by day the best will be because He cares so much about you."

Despite periodic separations from my father in my childhood, and again as a young adult, I never doubted his love for me. Thanks in large part to my dad, I knew that God the Father loves me, too. So much that His plan included His Son's death in my place in order that my sins might be blotted out and I might ultimately live forever in the joy of His perfect presence.

Today my earthly father is in Heaven -- absent from the body, present with the Lord. I live with the joy of the Lord, and with the blessed assurance that we will be reunited, two children of God among those in the priesthood of believers. As my father's brother said at his graveside service: "Not goodbye, but see you soon."

In the mean time, we have Good News to share with the world!

Father in prison tells daughter 'The Answer'

Among those singled out by Jesus for attention and care from His followers are widows, orphans -- and prisoners.
I was struck recently when I encountered a poignant "jail letter," not TO a prisoner, from FROM a prisoner to his child.
The prisoner is Pastor Saeed Abedini, a Christian imprisoned in Iran for the past several years. This letter, written in September 2014, was addressed to his 8-year-old daughter on the occasion of her birthday. While it is deeply personal, it also bears a strong witness to all who call themselves followers of Christ, especially to those whose hearts ache for loved ones saved and not yet saved.
The letter read in part:
"Happy 8th birthday! You are growing so fast and becoming more beautiful every day. I praise God for His faithfulness to me every day as I watch through the prison walls and see pictures and hear stories of how you are growing both spiritually and physically."
"Oh, how I long to see you."
"I know that you question why you have prayed some many times for my return and yet I am not home yet. Now there is a big WHY in your mind and you are asking: WHY Jesus isn't answering your prayers and the prayers of all of the people around the world praying for my release and for me to be home with you and our family."
"The answer to the WHY is WHO. WHO is in control? LORD JESUS CHRIST is in control."
"The answer to the WHY is WHO. The confusion of 'Why has all of this happened?' and why your prayers are not answered yet is resolved with understanding WHO is in control. LORD JESUS CHRIST, our GOD!"
"God is in control of the whole world and everything that is happening in it is for His good purpose, for His glory, and will be worked out for our good (Romans 8:28). Jesus allows me to be kept here for His glory. He is doing something inside each of us and also outside in the world."
"People die and suffer for their Christian faith all over the world, and some may wonder why? But you should know the answer of WHY is WHO. It is for Jesus. He is worth the price. And He has a plan to be glorified through our lives."
"I want you to read the book of Habakkuk. He had the same question as you. But see that the Lord answered him: "... the vision comes and doesn't delay on time. Wait for it." Mommy and I always had big desires to serve Jesus and had great vision to be used for His Kingdom and for His Glory. So today we pay a cost because God, who created us, called us to that."
"And so I want you to know that the answer to all of your prayers is that God is in control, and He knows better than us what He is doing in our lives and all around the world."
The father closes his letter:
"Then my dear beloved daughter Rebekka Grace, I pray God will bring me back home soon. But if not, we will still sing together as Habakkuk did 'Hallelujah!' either separated by prison walls or together at home. So let Daddy hear you sing a loud 'Hallelujah' that I can hear all the way here in the prison! I am so proud of you my sweet courageous daughter. Glory to God forever! Amen."
Daddy

http://www.christianpost.com/news/obama-meets-saeed-abedinis-wife-naghmeh-and-children-in-boise-promises-to-do-all-he-can-to-free-pastor-to-be-home-by-sons-birthday-132941/

He is there to see us through

Late last year a dear young friend lost his wife to cancer. During Rebecca’s illness … the battle … she and Michael witnessed to many their faith in Jesus Christ. Often they shared on Facebook. Recently Michael chose to share again, from his heart and from Rebecca’s through a note she wrote before she died. Their thoughts were, and continue to be, worth sharing. Michael opened his Facebook entry:

“So often, we feel as though we need an explanation. We want to know why certain things happen to wonderful people but not to others. We try to justify the events of our lives. I believe it’s this desire for justice that keeps us from finding the peace we are looking for. We are comforted by friends and family who say things like, “Sometimes there just isn't an answer” or “We just aren't meant to know.”

But there is an answer. And I’m going to tell you all what it is.

The answer is that He didn’t promise us a perfect life on this earth. He didn’t promise us a life without pain. He didn’t promise us a life without loss, heartache, sorrow, or injustice. In fact, if anything, He promised us a life full of these things, as well as great joy.

But what He promised us most is that He would be there with us to see us through all of it. And I look at all of you and the ways that you are there for one another and I see the evidence of that with my own eyes.

I have gone back and forth over the course of the past few months as to whether I was going to post this or not. But I feel like there may be some people out there who might receive some comfort from it, and also, I promised her I would. I read this at Rebecca’s memorial. I hope it means as much for all of you to read as it did for her to say:

A message from Rebecca...
“My dear friends and family. I asked Michael to read this for me when I was gone. I hope it doesn’t upset you but I’ve been given the opportunity to do something that most people don't get upon leaving this world. The chance to say goodbye.
I have had a lot of time to pray and reflect upon the ways that I have come to know and love all of you. No matter how briefly or in how small a way, I’m grateful to be connected to you all. I leave in your care my two greatest treasures on this earth, my darling husband and my precious little girl. They are both wonderful people who will undoubtedly be there for all of you in the same way you all have been for us.
Thank you for your tears, although I ask that you please not mourn me for long. I’ve been called home by my Father and am now dancing with the angels. I’m not afraid, more anxious. I don't know what Heaven will be like. My only hope is that I will in some way get to see you all again. Thank you for sharing your lives with me. I love you all dearly. Hugs. Rebecca”