A Life Well-Lived, Part 21; Walking by Faith

The Bible says, “Faith comes by 'hearing,' and 'hearing' by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). As the family was growing up, I tried to make sure we had lots of "hearing" to increase our faith! We would read the Bible together every morning and memorize a verse every day, plus everyone had their own personal Bible time. I was also constantly hunting for interesting sermons on You-tube to share with the family, so the kids grew up "hearing" a variety of faith-building preachers. If I thought a sermon was particularly beneficial, I would pay them a five dollar bill to sit still and listen to it - At least the ones who were less inclined to listen! (This was back in the day - before inflation! Lol) As they grew up and took on more outside activities and jobs, we reserved one night a week as family night, complete with a meal we didn’t usually serve (junk food!), an unhealthy dessert, and … a sermon video! Yes, we did! It was the perfect combination of “church night,” “family night,” and “movie night!” In fact (we might lose some pastors right here), the only night available where no one was working was Wednesday night. So we basically “home-churched” the mid-week service for several years, and I am so thankful that we did! I wouldn’t trade those family nights for anything they might have done in the youth group.

Through the years, I saw many examples of how Timothy’s faith was displayed in his life. I'm sharing some here, hoping to challenge the rest of us to new levels in our faith-walk!

During lunch one day, we were listening to a sermon on Mark 11:23 “Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” Timothy stood up from his bar-stool and declared, “I am no longer allergic to poison ivy!” He and Joseph would break out several times a year because of their many adventures off the path. We were always trying new treatments and would usually have to resort to prescriptions to keep them from going insane with itching. However, from the moment Timothy made that announcement, he never broke out from poison ivy again, no matter where he roamed, even when his side-kick did. His faith was not “name it and claim it;” it was “live it and breathe it.” There’s a difference. Not like a spoiled kid demanding his way, but a lifestyle of walking and talking with God.

Another time, a relative was listing all the maladies, syndromes, and health problems she and her husband were experiencing. Later that day, when we were alone, Timothy told me, “We will never have to deal with any of those things. I knew it while she was talking. We won’t.” Years later, he repeated this to me with absolute certainty. He was right. (I don't create the news, folks, I just report it.)

One of our favorite online preachers told about the sin of complaining, and how it opens the door to the enemy. Afterwards, Timothy became very aware of when he was being negative or grumbling, and would apologize and ask forgiveness every time (He was way ahead of me with that!). He wanted to make sure nothing came between him and the blessings of God. This aversion to complaining affected his choice of words, too. The wife of one of Timothy’s pilot friends told me that her husband was amazed that he had never heard his friend Tim swear. He told her, “Tim doesn’t cuss!” His wife reminded him that he had stopped swearing, as well, just from being around Tim at the hanger!

In his quest to "not complain," it became part of Timothy’s character to laugh off the negativity of others, even if they were quite serious about their issue! One day, several of his siblings were in an uproar about someone’s rude remarks to them. They were telling Timothy everything that was said in rapid-fire indignation from across the kitchen. He never looked up from making his chai tea and mused aloud, “Maybe I could send them an Allison Aviation tumbler… or a T-shirt?” His motive was peace, and he wouldn’t jump into anyone’s feud, much to his siblings’ frustration!

In many ways (not every way, because he wasn’t perfect ), Timothy’s life reminds me of Timothy in the Bible. The Apostle Paul’s letter to him says, “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for other believers in your speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and purity.” 1Timothy 4:12

*Lord, increase my faith, so I can leave an example like the Timothy in the scriptures, and in many ways, like the Timothy we know and love. Thank You, once again, for the 28 years we were privileged to enjoy him. Help us to keep our eyes on You, as the ultimate example of all that is good and right. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Do all you have to do without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be God’s children, blameless, sincere and wholesome, living in a warped and diseased world; shining there like lights in a dark place.” Phil 2:14-15