This week I have experienced God grace and seen his love at work in unexpected places! This week he spoke to me through the death of a friend, Linda Graf. Some of you had the honor and blessing of knowing Linda, but for those of you who didn't. Linda Graf was a wonderful God-fearing woman who dedicated her life to telling others of the salvation of Jesus Christ. She went to Mexico, Thailand, and many other places including areas in Phoenix spreading the Good News she knew was more important than her own life.
On Thursday I attended her funeral. Linda impacted many people, from all areas of the world, and many of them came to the WG to honor her life and love for Christ. The mike was opened for people to share their memories of Linda, and I was so blessed by people's stories. The one common thread was the importance that Linda put on prayer, praying with everyone she came into contact with. Many stories where told about how she was willing to abandon her own identity to touch the hearts of those around her. And as I sat hearing the ways in which Linda blessed those around her, God began to speak to my heart.
Is my heart prepared for the calling he has placed on my life? Do I put others and Christ in front of myself? Is my life a testament to Christ at all times (even when there is no else around)? All questions that I must answer myself and when I've discovered the answers, ask God for forgiveness for my inadequacies. In my broken and humble state God encouraged me with a few verses:
Ezekiel 18:31- Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!
Psalm 51:17- The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a
contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
God doesn't see brokeness as a weakness, instead it is a time when He can step in and make you strong! God overall is preparing my heart for the adventure coming in the next 2 years.
Prayer:
God please fill my heart with love for the lost who need the hope found abundantly in your love. Ephesians 1:18
Lord, protect those traveling to Richmond for training in a week and a half and those personnel that are currently leaving for areas all over the world. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3
Prince of Peace, please grant your peace to the family of Linda Graf as they go through this time of change and sorrow.
Thank you again for your prayers. If you have anyway I can be praying for you, please let me know! You can leave it as a comment to this blog, or you can email me at godlymelody@hotmail.com. I leave you with one final verse:
Psalm 19:14- "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer."
I love you all! May God Bless you and keep you!
Courtney
P.S. You can now access my blog by going to http://www.godlymelody.com/
3 comments:
If I am a 1/4 of the woman you are right now, I will be doing good! You're amazing, I love ya!
Dear Courtney,
I love hearing about your ministry and the ways in which God is working in your life. I would like to stay informed of your prayer requests. You are not only a child of God but the granddaughter of Wayne and Helen whom I love very much. Know that you will be on my prayer list. Love, Chaplain Cindy Littrell
2Corinth9:12
Hi Grand daughter! I am sharing your contact information with the Minister of Youth and College inour church here at First Southern. He will put your contact info in a new prayer room that the youth have set up, and many will be praying for you that you will never know about.
I am very proud of you.
Cindy L, who is "anonymous" here, is a great prayer warrior. Hope you hear from some of the others
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