Finishing Well

I have recently (within the past month) said good-bye to two of my faithful "prayer warriors" who have since gone on to glory. Archie (85) has prayed faithfully for me and my family since 1976, and Aunt Dorothy and her "prayer team" have lifted us before the throne for numerous years. The sense of loss I feel is not just for the end of conversations and stories; but I greatly will miss the comfort of knowing that there are "someones" who are praying for me and for the ones I love.
This "greatest generation" as Tom Brokaw so aptly calls them, is gradually passing from this earthly scene, as they have ". . .served God's purpose in [their] generation. . ." (from the book of Acts, chapter 13, verse 36). They understood commitment, even long-term commitment, and sacrifice, in prayer, in service, in work, in family. Who will pick up the baton, and continue the race of joining God in His work?
By God's grace, and through the strength of the Holy Spirit, I want to pick up that baton! Our world, the church in this generation, need faithful prayer; I want the privilege of watching God at work in our world. I look forward to the strengthening of my faith as I exercise the "prayer muscles." Please, God, give me the perseverance and hope and faithfulness to uphold those You give me in prayer. Help me not to drop the baton and quit the race before You say I've crossed the finish line. Thank you for the immense privilege of serving You in this way.

I want to close with a poem that Archie wrote some years ago --

When Loved Ones Leave

When facing death's dark hour,

and you can't let them go --

when you'll be left alone

and your spirit is low,

Then quiet be to God's still voice,

"My child, my child, this is My choice --

Trust Me."

When the days pass so slowly,

and you don't know what to do --

find someone whom you can help;

let them see God's strength in you,

and find God's peace -- in Him rejoice

in His still voice, "This is My choice --

Trust me."

- Archie Cumings