I have never found it difficult to speak in front of a crowd. Whether speaking to one or a thousand, it has always been easy for me. I love the interaction of the crowd and I especially love it when I see someone's face just light up when they understand and relate to my topic. It is, indeed, a thrill.
Most of the things I speak about are personal experiences that have worked themselves out in a way that brings glory and honor to the Saviour I love so well. To be able to share the heartaches and despairs, and to then share the glorious way God turns everything into tremendous victory and triumph is, to me, a glorious calling.
One of my favorite topics is the faithfulness of our great God. He is the ever faithful, never failing, ever present source of strength and help in time of trouble. He is never far away, hears every cry, sees every tear-stained face and then draws us close to Him where we hear the heartbeat of God and are comforted. What a mighty God we serve!
I recently lost a dear, dear friend. Bridgette was a young woman who captured my heart from the time I first met her. We had an immediate connection and she became my dearest friend. Bridgette was not only beautiful outside but she had a shining spirit that allowed her to see the positive in every situation, to bear every cross with joy, and to convince others of their need for Christ. She encouraged my every endeavor and became my strongest supporter. I loved her dearly. We were inseparable for three years. She was my room mate during that time and I enjoyed her presence in my life.
In time, however, a series of personal tragedies brought Bridgette to the brink of despair. Though her faith in God never wavered, her choices during that awful time were not the best. She moved from my home in North Carolina to a small town in Virginia and started her life over. She was constantly writing to me, calling me, and sending me messages on Facebook letting me know how much she loved and appreciated all I had done and been to her. She still had that beautiful spirit and never failed to encourage me each time we talked.
On January 27 of this year, Bridgette passed away. I could hardly believe the news when it came to me and my heart was truly broken. So many precious memories came to mind and I ached for the sound of her voice. Each room in my home had small treasures that Bridgette had given me over the years and each one broke my heart anew. I shed many tears at the unexpected and tragic loss of my friend.
A few days following Bridgette's funeral, I reached for a book that she had given me. One of my favorite authors had written the book and Bridgette had given it to me for Christmas. In the front of the book was an inscription Bridgette had written. As the tears streamed down my face, I read her words and the sound of her voice came ringing back. The last line she wrote was this, "God will remain faithful."
I read those words, written in Bridgette's hand, and remembered the times that she and I had discussed the faithfulness of God. I recalled that we had shared many conversations about our great God and that we had always come to the conclusion that no one could be as faithful as God. No matter what the situation, no matter how fierce the pain, how deep the betrayal, God remained faithful. We agreed that though we were the best of friends and loved each other dearly, there would be the time when we would not be there when needed or that a word of encouragement would not be spoken when needed. We agreed that there was no way we, as weak and frail humanity, could ever be as faithful and true as our Heavenly Father.
"God will remain faithful". When we don't understand---He is faithful. When we stand alone---He is faithful. When death comes---He is faithful. When all is well---He is faithful. No matter what the circumstance or the difficulty, in sorrow or in joy, God will remain faithful. He will never, ever leave us or forsake us. He will be with us always, even unto the end of the world. How faithful is that!
I will never forget Bridgette. She lives in my heart and mind and will always be remembered. When I stand speaking on my favorite subject, the faithfulness of God, Bridgette will be with me. When I speak words of encouragement, faith, and hope, the conversations we had will be a loving reminder that God remains faithful.
My friends, I have no idea what you are going through today. I do not know if life is bringing you low with adversity or if you are soaring through clouds of joy. But I do know this---no matter where you are in life or what you are facing now or will face in the future, God will remain faithful. He will be there to pick you up,, hold you close, and help you start again. Faithfulness is what God does---faithful is who He is. It's just that simple. I believe it because my friend told me so and because God has proven Himself faithful unto me. Only a God who loves me so could speak from the grave of a beloved friend and remind me of who He is. You can trust Him---you really can. God will remain faithful.
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