Wholehearted
Recently the women in our church had a curry evening. About 40 of them gathered, some in Indian saree’s, for the meal, which had been prepared by one of the men who loves to cook.
Alongside having the food, their was an interview with one of our older ladies, Marilyn Denning, who went to India in her 20s as a nurse.
Now in her 80s, and a widow, Marilyn shared stories of her Indian adventures as she was obedient to the call of God on her life.
I had met Marilyn in the 1980s when she married one of the leaders in the church, John Denning, and together they were part of our leadership team for many years.
Earlier this year Marylin moved and I went to visit her. As we talked she still had that passion and zeal for God as she asked about all aspects of church life!
It reminded me of Caleb in the Bible, who, as a young man was fully devoted to God. In the book of Exodus we read how Moses sent him to spy out the land God promised Israel.
He returned with a positive report, unlike the majority of the other spies, and because of this God allowed Caleb to move into the land.
Much later, and now an old man, Caleb reminded people of what Moses had said to him…
“The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children for ever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.”
Caleb followed God wholeheartedly and in his old age received what God had promised all those years earlier.
Marilyn still follows God wholeheartedly too! She has devoted herself to serving God and still has that enthusiasm and total commitment! She is a great example to me, and many others, and we are blessed to have her in our church!
I am challenged, and ask myself, am I following God wholeheartedly? Will I still be doing so when I am in my 80s? I hope so! What about you? Let me pray…
Father God, Thank you for the example of Caleb and Marilyn. May we be people who stay devoted, full of enthusiasm and total commitment to you, and your Kingdom, all the days of our lives! Amen.
God bless you:)
Gary Bastin
Hope Community Church leader