WRITTEN BY DR. JIM GRASSI
Ted was an exceptionally skilled young man, a friend when both of us were in the early stages of our careers. He demonstrated a strong commitment to his faith and family, embarked on a promising pathway as an engineer, and actively contributed to our church’s ministry. When we met, Ted had recently become engaged to Michelle, his sweetheart from high school youth group. After they married, they bought a lovely home near our church. Then time went along, and our spheres of work and ministry caused us to lose touch.
Some years later, I learned that Ted had a rare form of cancer and was beginning a prolonged and arduous decline. His illness persisted for several years with considerable pain and progressive debilitation. Michelle encountered significant challenges as she balanced caregiving with earning a living. Ultimately, she formed a new relationship and divorced Ted. He was left in isolation without financial support or healthcare. His health continued to deteriorate, perhaps exacerbated by heartbreak, and he passed away in his mid-thirties.
This is a tragic story, and one might be tempted to think that with the absence of descendants, public honors, or lasting memorials, this promising life was wasted. He had so much potential, great skill in his chosen area of work, a lovely wife, a strong Christian family, and church to support him, but he was “cut down” in the prime of his life. Yet that way of thinking is not God’s way of thinking. Ted left behind a profound example of faithfulness during times of hardship – one that continues to have an impact.
It’s been years now since he died, but people still talk about the things he said and did during his terminal illness. Recently, as two friends at church were discussing the concept of God’s sovereignty in our lives, one of them said, “I remember Ted telling me that God is in control over all events, even the tough ones. And he knew what he was talking about!”
Ted’s story is not one anyone would choose. In fact, most of us would not choose any form of suffering if it were up to us. Yet suffering can “produce a harvest of righteousness and peace” (Hebrews 12:11). We don’t get to choose the circumstances in our lives, but we do get to choose how we will respond. Paul responded with hope:
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).
In large part, we determine how we will be remembered, the legacy we leave behind. The goal is not to live long but to live well, focusing not on the dates of our tombstone but on the dash in between – on the person we become rather than our achievements. Our focus should be on significance rather than how the world defines success.
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-2
Personal Application: What legacy do you wish to leave behind? How can you focus on living a life of significance? If you know someone who is an example of faithfulness during hardship, let them know how their faith has impacted you.
- Taken in part from Finishing Well, Finishing Strong by Jim Grassi, D. Min.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5