Some time back I purchased a new study Bible. Not that I needed another Bible but I collect and use study Bibles so that I can benefit from the knowledge, information, and insights of men and women of God who have spent a lifetime studying God’s Word. Often they provide me with new insights and help me to see things that I have missed or, at least, give me a slightly different perspective on familiar verses and stories.
The one I am using currently is the Tony Evans Study Bible. One of many I own. Good insights and understanding. Not recommending it or even suggesting that I agree with everything in it because I don’t. But, as a person who studies God’s Word daily I am always looking for new tools to help me along.
All that to lead up to the true story I read recently regarding Tony Evans who has a powerful and impactful ministry. There would have not been a ministry had it not been for his parents.
He writes, “My father came to Christ when he was thirty years of age and I was ten. Immediately he became a passionate follower of Christ. My mother didn’t like him as a sinner, and she resented him as a saint. Many times my dad could be found praying and studying the Word in the middle of the night.”
About a year after Mr. Evans’s conversion, he was studying one night and he heard the steps creak as his wife began making her way from the upstairs bedroom. She saw her husband studying his Bible, but instead of berating him she had tears in her eyes.
Tony recalled, “She told Dad how she had been observing his transformed life over the past year, and that whatever it was that was responsible for it, she wanted it too. That night my father led my mother to Christ. Our home was transformed. After that, Mom and Dad led me, my two brothers, and my sister to Christ.”
That evening as he heard the steps creak, Mr. Evans had no idea his simple love for Jesus would transform his home, set his son on the road to ministry, and touch untold thousands of people.
You know, our days are numbered, and we are moving quickly from today to tomorrow. All our pleasures and possessions are temporary, but the legacy we leave for Christ will endure forever. It’s been said many times in many ways, but never better than with these simple words:
This one life will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Our love and labour for Christ is never in vain. Let’s not waste a single day. Let’s live with eternity in mind!
The Scriptures state:
“Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come” (Psalm 71:18)
That is my prayer for today and every day.
