Blueprint

“I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea, Thy law is within my heart” (Ps. 40:8). by Terrie E. Ruff

Nine months ago, everything changed as I was informed that my brother Mack had died unexpectedly on the eve of his fifty-fifth birthday. The shock was incredibly intense, as was the pain. I had to dig deeply into the resources of God’s grace. I leaned on Him, and I never asked why? —I asked what? What is the lesson? What do you want me to do? As I prepared for Mack’s funeral, God gave more clarity to my question. The what: tell everyone I meet about the good news of the gospel and its power to carry us through any loss we experience! And I did!

As I talked with my nephew a few days after his father’s funeral, he said something so profound and powerful to me, “Auntie, my father left me a blueprint, now it’s up to me to follow it.” Spencer was also answering the what question. As my prince of a nephew spoke about his father, I smiled with pride as I knew He would follow Mack’s Godly blueprint. And he is! Here is Mack’s Blueprint:

Man of God: love/commitment/witness (Matt. 28:18-20)

Affectionate & Attentive: love for family (1 Cor. 13)

Caring: fun loving-laughter/love for people/helpful (Prov. 17:22)

Kind King: gentle giant/example of manly strength and tenderness (Prov. 11:24-25)

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4: 13-18).

Our hope! Our challenge! If we live consecrated lives, obedient to God’s calling, we will see Jesus and we will see Mack again!

During challenging times, I invite you not to ask why? —but to ask what? I guarantee that you will be surprised at what God has in store for you. If you allow Him, your life will be a blueprint of His love for others to follow.

About The Author Terrie E. Ruff is a public speaker, soloist and inspirational author. She is an active member of the Orchard Park SDA Church in Chattanooga. Terrie can be contacted at Terrie.Ruff@lpnt.net.