Grace & Andrew

While most entries revolve around our family life (primarily, our girls), I would like to take this opportunity to share what has been stirring in my heart recently.

On Wednesday, February 11, I came across an e-mail from a friend. In it, she mentioned that she had been praying for the Mark family; she added their blog address if I was ignorant of their current circumstances. I was, and so I followed the link (http://www.graceandrew.blogspot.com/)... The first few entires dealt with the death and memorial service of a once vibrant father, husband and young (27) man. To understand the situation more deeply, I read on. And, what I discovered was stunning! Here are two individuals, Grace and Andrew, experiencing excruciating suffering and responding to it with unspeakable peace, trust and hope. How can this be? My own life has been touched by cancer, and its' devastating effects... How does such sorrow and mourning become a cause to rejoice?!

Grace and Andrew knew the answer: Christ. This life is but a moment. Eternity awaits us. And, Andrew, at least, was prepared for what was to (and did) come. You see, Andrew realized who he was -- a sinful man, in desperate need of salvation... salvation by God's grace through His precious Son. And, that is WHO (& what) Andrew hoped in -- Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:21-24 states, "For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered FOR YOU (emphasis mine), leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,
who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth;
and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges rightously;
and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; FOR BY HIS WOUNDS YOU WERE HEALED."

In my opinion, Andrew Mark followed the example of His Lord and Savior... all the way to glory. Thank you, Grace and Andrew.


You are in our prayers.
For His Glory,
Vadra

"Seek the Lord while He may be found;
Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
And let Him return to the Lord,
And He will have compassion on him,
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon."
-- Isaiah 55:6-8