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I never get tired of seeing it. In fact, the more I see it, the more determined I become in making it my life purpose. What I am talking about is –– changed lives. I am aware there are many things that can alter a life, but the transformation I am talking about, is one on the supernatural level. It is when a person truly encounters the living God, and understands who Jesus is, and what He has done for that person through His death and resurrection. When someone fully embraces these truths of Jesus, and becomes a child of God, that person is forever spiritually changed. (Romans 10:9) No one who comes in contact with that changed person can deny the power behind this supernatural transformation. And that's why I never get tired of seeing it.

Sue is a friend of mine whose life had been touched by Christ early in her marriage. She and her husband started attending church twenty-five years ago right after their son was born, because they thought that was the proper thing to do as new parents. While both Sue and her husband heard the gospel message preached every Sunday, it was only Sue who eventually understood it. The spiritual blinders were removed from Sue, while her husband remained in the darkness. In a matter of time, Sue's husband stopped attending church all together, because to him it was just a ritual and he could find something better to do with that hour on Sunday. Nonetheless, Sue continued faithfully to stay connected at church and to grow in her faith. Sue eventually passed the baton of faith down to her two children, and they too became committed followers of Christ. However, Sue’s heart continued to be burdened for her husband who had no interest in the things of God. Sue lived out the biblical instructions given to wives who have husbands who are not believers. Wives, be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words but by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 1 Peter 3:1-2

And then it happened. Sue’s husband was won over. Last April, Ralph finally understood the message of the cross and embraced Jesus as his Lord and Savior…and Voila…another changed life! Ralph was baptized this past month and testified in front of the entire church, that he was a now a new creation. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 I recently went up to Sue and hugged her and told her that I was rejoicing with her. It had been over twenty-five years that she had been praying for Ralph and waiting patiently for heaven to respond. She then told me just how desperate her prayers became in the end. “Pat”, she said, “I finally prayed the ultimate prayer of a desperate wife”. She prayed, “Whatever it takes Lord, whatever it takes”. It took Ralph hitting rock bottom, before he ever looked up. Sue’s prayers were finally answered and I don’t think she will be coming down to earth anytime soon.

I celebrate with Sue and with so many others who have had the joy of watching their spouse join them in their walk of faith. However, I know too many who still struggle because their loved ones still don’t get it. There is no greater joy than when someone we have prayed for finally finds Christ. But until that happens, there is no greater heartache as we watch the people that we love make poor choices and run from God. I saw what Sue went through the past years and what a living testimony she is. I know many times she probably was tempted to throw in the towel and give-up. But if Sue would have done that, she would have forfeited the joy that she is now living.

Sue is a wonderful example to me, and I hope she is to you. If you find yourself getting desperate, impatient, and you feel like you want to throw in the towel, let me encourage you to get radical like Sue did. Pray as she did. Whatever it takes Lord, whatever it takes. And after you pray this, get out of the way and watch heaven work. I know it will be hard, but I trust it will be worth it all. If you don’t believe me…just ask Sue.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some

understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting

anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Mercy and not Sacrifice (Sept. 30, 2010)