“Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.” Psalm 107:2
My wife Debbie and I have been Christians for over 22 years. We have been married over 31 years. We have been blessed by the Lord with 3 sons; Russell, Trevor & Terrence, and one daughter by marriage, our dear Carmen.
Over the course of our marriage the Lord has brought many victories-in-Jesus to Debbie & I and our family. Our life experience thus far has included two house fires; my 3 time diagnosis, treatment & remission from cancer; my falling while hiking in the hills alone and breaking my leg only to be rescued the next morning; my recent retirement at age 55, from my law enforcement career due to heart disease.
Currently Debbie & I struggle daily with the limiting effects of my Chronic Fatigue. As well we live with the quiet, yet real specter the cancer may return one-day without warning. Thus as Debbie and I go about our daily lives we are subject to consider my state of diminishing health which serves to consistently remind us of our mortality. In faith, we have discovered, this is a powerful motivator toward seeking God daily, while learning to effectively lay down our lives for others.
"Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and
complete, not lacking anything." James 1:4
All our opportunities and challenges in life, including what I described above, have not been without effect. Our Heavenly Father continues to walk with us and hold us close to his heart, as well as grow, mature & train us for works of service.
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:29-31
The Kirkpatrick’s: Trevor, Terrence, Russell, Carmen, Debbie and Glen.
The Lord has taught us, and continues to teach me and my wife Debbie how to persevere in the faith in season and out of season. Or, as we often pray, Father we are yours, come what may.
What we’ve learned includes:
• To rely on God during times of suffering and He will comfort you.
• The Lord’s plan is to use suffering to develop in you a heart of compassion.
• Persevere to the end and you will see God. (Matthew 5:3-12)
In His Service,
Glen Kirkpatrick
San Diego, CA
glenkirkpatrickjr.wordpress.com