Strong Tower
by Margaret D. Mitchell
Week of March 2, 2014
"From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe." -Psalm 61:2-3
Recently, my friend passed into eternity. She left behind her beloved husband and 10-year-old boy. Lynn lived on a Florida beach with them. She had an ocean view, where she could watch God’s glorious sunrises every day. She said they brought her peace.
Lynn’s 20-month battle with cancer ended one week before her 55th birthday. She was the pretty high school cheerleader that everyone loved, the one with the biggest, brightest smile and a personality that could light up a classroom. The one so full of life that you just knew she would do something great one day. Lynn was someone who got along with everyone.
Lynn had a long career in marketing. Stunningly beautiful, she was the showpiece that companies put out front at conventions and tradeshows. Lynn was the one who planned them, executed them and followed up. She was an account exec, a wife and a mom. And now her journey here has ended. Heaven has gained a champion.
Lynn’s passing was bittersweet—as is anyone’s who knows The Lord—because to die is gain (Phil 1:21). Still Lynn will be missed. Her inspiration will live on, making an important impact in the lives of many.
I had last seen Lynn 17 years ago, at a high school reunion. Shortly thereafter, both of us moved out of town in separate directions. When I learned of her passing, my heart sank. But I soon discovered her online journal, where I read her last post, her final written words to anyone who was willing to connect with her there . . .
"My spirits are good—just digging deeper into God."
There it was. This was what I needed to hear: Lynn knew Our Lord, and in her final hours, she ran to Our Strong Tower, Our Refuge, Our Rock—not away from Him. Her foe was defeated once and for all. The enemy would never touch her again. My soul was relieved. Lynn knew God!
In high school, I was a baby Christian; and although Lynn and I had gotten together a few times in adulthood, I never knew whether she knew Jesus. Lynn’s passing reminded me to share the Good News with everyone God puts in my path. It is that important—the value of a human life.
Have you shared Jesus with your friends from long ago? With co-workers? In the marketplace as led by the Holy Spirit? Inconvenience and irrational fear are never acceptable excuses and are always a device of the enemy. Don’t shrink back. Step up and just ask The Holy Spirit what He would have you say or do. Then just do it. You’ll be glad you did because when those people pass from this earth, you can have peace of mind knowing that you did your part.
I am always amazed at how God can and will use people while going through their most horrendous circumstances, their greatest storms. Lynn’s words of encouragement live on. I’ll leave you with two of her recent journal posts . . .
"I believe there is a way to get thru this and I keep the faith and believe…"
"Love to all of you and remember the power of prayer."
Lynn was restored by God’s grace in heaven February 15, 2014. God bless her beloved family and friends.
Margaret D. Mitchell is the Founder of God's Love at Work, a marketplace outreach purposed to share God's greatest power source - the love of Christ. This devotional was adapted from Margaret's latest book, "Enduring Grace," to be released soon.
