Late 2002 into the spring of 2003, I faced the third major health dilemma when the doctor’s discovered a mass on my pancreas. Because of my medical knowledge as a nurse practitioner; certainly, this news was grave. After all, God walked with me through a very aggressive breast cancer from which I should never have survived, followed by a ferocious ulcerative colitis that ended in my colon being removed. There appeared to be no break from illness for my wearied and now broken body. All the steroids necessary to keep me alive during the ulcerative colitis, as well as, all the surgical scars, had left their toll on me. Yet, by grace; God gave me the strength to march forward, to keep on working to support myself, and to rely on Him. The road before me lay dark, treacherous, and uncertain; yet, I wondered what legacy would I leave behind.
Perhaps, God planned to take me home. Remembering the lessons learned along this journey of God’s faithfulness, God’s love and God’s grace toward me; I began to write; formulating my first draft of Mountaintop Experiences in the Valley -for those who spend a lifetime in the Valley More as a letter to my children, my friends, and for anyone who might need to know–God is Good, all the time. God arrives into the center of our valleys to draw us closer to Him; wherein, we find our joy, our hope, and our inspiration. I wrote from a heart overflowing with love; because, I wanted my children to know just how much God loved them–no matter what trials they might face in this life. Paul, from the uncertainty of his imprisonment; wrote letters, telling the church of Philippi to rejoice in Christ, regardless of the circumstances.
A LEGACY OF FAITH
The church of Philippi, founded as the first European church, saw Paul beaten, imprisoned, and later released there at Philippi. Now, while Paul sat imprisoned by the Romans; they sent money and comfort through Epaphroditus. Now, Paul desired to send Timothy to them; as a teacher, comforter and to obtain news of their church. Paul, reminded them of Timothy’s legacy of faithfulness, servant-hood, and truth; never considering himself, rather always placing Jesus Christ above all else.
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Philippians 2:19-24
Paul left for us letters, each inspired by the Holy Spirit as God’s own words written by Paul. His legacy stands for all to see.
WHAT LEGACY DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE?
As I said, I began writing back in 2002 to leave a letter to my own children; however, God chose to once more, save my life. Since then, as time went on; I felt compelled to write, to begin this website in 2010 and to publish books. My desire to spread the good news of the gospel to a world in need; until, the day I die. Certainly, I cannot proclaim that my words carry the same weight of inspiration as the Apostle Paul; because, God only chose a few men to write His Infallible word. My prayer, every day remains that God use my words; however, feeble they may be to lead others to Christ Jesus. Also, I pray God give me the wisdom to never distort His words in any way.
This humble ministry remains essentially unknown and runs at a substantial financial loss to myself; however, I remain compelled by God’s Spirit to keep writing. The hours and money spent, I count as joy; knowing that God can use this my service in whatever manner He chooses.
So, my question to you is: What sacrifice are you willing to give to serve God? What ministry tugs at your heart every day? Whatever the cost; will you do what God is calling you to do?
PHILIPPIANS 3:7-11
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
God’s Grace, Love and Mercy sustains me through every trial and every uncertainty along this journey. My prayer: Lord let my legacy be that at the end of my life be: “Although a broken vessel, shattered at times, she loved Jesus with all of her heart; and let all the praise be only to Him.”
If you don’t know how to accept Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, email me by clicking here or comment here
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[bctt tweet=”When all is said and done, I pray you remember Christ Jesus when you think of me.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]Lord, Your Will, Nothing Less, Nothing More and Nothing Else[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”I pray my legacy be: ‘Although a broken vessel, she loved Jesus with all of her heart'” username=”effiedarlene”]
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
I wrote and published Mountaintop Experiences in the Valley as a revised version in 2011 from the first writings I did in 2003. If you want to know more about the books I have written: You can find a link at: Book Resources.
featured Photo by Thomas Lefebvre on Unsplash
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.