Go and Prepare to Die

"Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." – John 16:24

About 5 years ago, Mel and I were guests at a lecture series at the Florida Air Museum.  The guest speaker was pilot and photographer,  Bill Fortney.  In attending the lecture, we thought we were going to hear of Bill's experience at flying and photographing his runaway New York Times bestseller, "America at 500 Feet." But what we heard was the testimony of Bill the Christian.

Bill had spent his life chasing fame and fortune, only to be struck down with terminal cancer in the prime of his life. Immediately after surgery, Bill's worst fears were confirmed, and doctors advised him to get his life in order.  Late at night, in the darkness and quite of his hospital room, Bill argued with God, asked for mercy, and strength to face the time he had left with his family.  Then he began making deals, and promised God that he would live every moment for Him.

Today, Bill lives for God, family and work (in that order), where before his illness, his priorities were reversed.  Bill gave all of us some very good advice that evening:

ONE: Learn to believe in something more important than yourself; a God worthy of your belief and praise, and trust Him with your heart and your life.

TWO: If you want everything you ever dreamed of, give it away to others. Only in giving will you ever find that you have received everything you really need.

THREE: Slow down and enjoy all you've been blessed with. Never be too busy to hug a child, love and support your spouse, or encourage a friend.  It's hard to count our blessings when we are going too fast to remember what they are."

Footnote:  In closing, Bill said that once God became his "true" priority, health was restored, his perspective on life changed, and after he stopped chasing fame and fortune, it was given to him.

How many people have you known who have worked very hard building that retirement nest egg, but died before they could enjoy the fruits of their labor? Bill's experience teaches us to take time to enjoy our blessings.

Seeking and Following,

Dean

You go nowhere by accident. Wherever you go, God is sending you, wherever you are, God has put you there; He has a purpose in your being there. Christ who dwells within you has something He wants to do through you wherever you are. Believe this and go in His grace and love and power.