His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” (Mt. 25:21)
Diane and I had the privilege of going to San Diego last month to visit several people we have known for decades but don’t often get to see them anymore. We went down to see how they were doing, find out how we could pray for them, and encourage them in their walk with the Lord. As it turns out, we were blown away by how much they encouraged us. What was so encouraging? Their FAITHFULNESS to the Lord, to each other, and to their local churches.
One couple I met nearly 50 years ago when they were involved in an evangelistic ministry. They have been through enormous challenges through the years but are more faithful than ever. Still sharing the gospel, leading a church, loving their families, and striving to continue doing so until the Lord calls them home. It just so happened that when we planned to meet them, another couple we knew 35 years ago came to visit them. This couple now lives in the state of Washington where they are running a business, loving their family, actively serving in their church, and generously giving to ministries around the world. The meal we shared together was overflowing with joy as we heard of God’s faithfulness in their lives through the years, and their burning hearts’ desire to be faithful to Him no matter what the cost.
There was another couple that was actively involved in the church we helped plant in San Diego (1987-90). We went to their home for a meal and were so blessed to hear of their ever-growing love for the Lord, passion to reach the lost, and active service both in their church and other ministries meeting needs around the world. Their commitment to their marriage, their children, and their grandchildren was beautiful to behold. 35+ years after we ministered alongside them, they are running the race to win, growing in grace, and bearing much fruit to the glory of God.
We also spent an evening with another couple that most of you know: Tom & Dawn Harcus. They are working hard to plant a new church in San Diego that they hope will be a base of church planting in San Diego and down through Mexico. The work has been challenging, the finances have been lean, but their hearts are overflowing with love for Jesus, one another, and the ministry. Although they long to see multitudes reached for Jesus, they are committed to being faithful and leaving the results to the Lord.
Why was this so encouraging? Because way too often I hear of professing followers of Jesus who fall away from Him or don’t actively serve Him. I read statistics about a growing number of people who don’t read their Bibles and pray consistently, don’t give to their local church and missions, don’t attend faithfully or serve in their church, and don’t tell others about Jesus and His amazing grace. I see people who get discouraged easily and back down from sacrificing to make disciples of all the nations. I grieve when I see and hear these things because I so want everyone to be faithful to our gracious Lord and King. I don’t want them seduced by the world and temporary things when eternal rewards are available. I want their life’s work to be gold, silver, and precious stones, not wood, hay, and stubble when it is tested (1 Cor. 3:10-15).
So I praise God for a brief trip to San Diego and the encouragement it was to Diane and me. Encouraged by the faithfulness of God and His children. Blessed by friends who model a lifestyle of faithful, sacrificial service to the Lord. God’s amazing grace is powerfully working in their lives, and they truly are a “sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him” everywhere they go (2 Cor. 2:14). May their tribe increase!