“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”  2 Corinthians 5:1

We have all lost a friend and ally on this earth.  Janet was a payroll expert, a loyal Mission employee, a UK (and really all sports) fan, and she was our friend.  Those who knew her realized that her body, her earthly tent, was in the process of being destroyed.  In some respects, that is no different from all of us, but her situation seemed to be on a more speedy track to destruction.

While her body was wasting, her spirit was only getting stronger.  She had such a love, such a passion, for each of us.  More importantly, she had a passion for the work of Nashville Rescue Mission, and a love for her LORD.  Janet has been such a rock for us, and such a rock for her family.  She will be missed.

At times like this when I seek understanding, it is helpful for me to turn to those wiser than I, and so in my reading I came upon this article by John Piper that I want to share with you.  Here is the reference for those of you who would like to read it in its entirety.

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/plunge-your-mind-into-the-ocean-of-god-s-sovereignty

Below are some excerpts:

• “Sometimes we need to plunge our minds into the ocean of God’s sovereignty. We need to feel the weight of it, like deep and heavy water pressing in against every pore, the deeper we go. A billion rivers of providence pour into this ocean. And God himself gathers up all his countless deeds — from eternity to eternity — and pours them into the currents of his infallible revelation. He speaks, and explains, and promises, and makes his awesome, sovereign providence the place we feel most reverent, most secure, most free.”
• “Sometimes we need to be reminded by God himself that there are no limits to his rule. We need to hear from him that he is sovereign over the whole world, and everything that happens in it. We need his own reminder that he is never helpless, never frustrated, never at a loss.”
• “Sometimes we need to hear specific statements from God himself about his own authority. We need God’s own words. It is the very words of God that have unusual power to settle our nerves, and make us stable, wise, and courageous.”
  • “Whatever I please, I do, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.” (Psalm 135:6)
  • “I work all things according to the counsel of my will.” (Ephesians 1:11)
  • “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’” (Isaiah 46:9-10)
  • “My times are in your hands.” (Psalm 31:15)

• “And as we listen, let us praise him. There is no other fitting way to listen to God’s exaltation of God. This is what happens to the human soul when we plunge into the ocean of God’s sovereignty.”

God surely blessed us by allowing Janet to be a part of each of our lives, and for that I know I will be forever grateful.

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalm 59:16)

Blessings,

Judy