Bible Ballistics: BBs #293 A Testament To Faithfulness & Love!

 

Today I want to share a story of faithfulness and love that is a story of the ages. A story of deep and abiding love of God as well as love of a husband and a wife. Some of you who know me personally have followed the story of Jayd and Jacee, and I would like to honor them both today upon the passing of Jayd into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was not the end any of us were praying for but it was the end that God allowed to come. We don’t understand why, but we do know that the God we serve does right—our God is good—all the time. Because all the time—God is good, and we believe that and trust HIM!

I want to share just a part of their story, because I could never do it the justice that it deserves, although I pray that God would bring the ones closest to it to share it all, at some point in time. My purpose today is to simply express the joy and pride (not the ugly pride but the total delight in the extreme goodness of something) that I have for this precious couple, and to share the testament to love that they lived out. While I have known Jayd since he was born, I only came to know Jacee when she became of part of Jayd’s life, but she has stolen my heart, love and deep admiration. These two young people encouraged my faith and hope in what God is still doing among us, even in days of distress and horrific evil, which abounds all around us.

Jayd and Jacee both loved God through His Son Jesus, and lived lives that brought honor and glory to Him and were individual testaments to the world around them. But when God brought them together, little did they or any of us know what God would do through this precious couple. The impact that they have had on those around them and the world is without measure, until we join the Lord and see it through HIS eyes, and the actual scope of their influence and ministry through this journey.

Jayd and Jacee had been married barely six months when the dreaded “cancer” word entered their lives with the earth-shattering effect of a 10-point earthquake! I remember those days and the horror, grief and concern that so many of us felt. Yet this little couple and the family that stood by them were firm in their confidence that “God has this”! As it would turn out, the insurance that they thought they had, had been cancelled without notification. OH NO!!! Yet God in His sovereign plan opened a door for Jayd’s treatment back in Tennessee where he grew up, instead of his beloved Texas (his grandmother’s beloved home—yes a “Longhorn”!).

God provided treatments, doctors and so much more—so “GOD at work”! Jayd as a cowboy, had been working as a horse-wrangler in Texas and with his diagnosis he was now unemployed, and with the continual trauma of treatment, and the need for constant care, employment for Jacee was impossible, and she has been by his side almost without separation for the last thirty-plus months.

Well, what does a couple do when they are literally destitute? They depend upon God, and these two did that completely—and God was faithful to provide in various ways. God provided resources, places to stay at various stages and places for treatment. God provided for this precious couple all along the way through His means and ways–in amazing ways!!! This precious couple and the family that has stood by them have blessed my soul and I would like to share what I think God might say about them, and what He is calling us to in our life choices each day. We can all shine!

Jayd and Jacee—this is for you.

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,” Philippians 1:3

Jayd was a godly man who touched his world, and these are just a few of the things that scripture spoke to me about this man of character and integrity! May we take them to heart!

“He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.” Proverbs 17:27

“A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.” Psalm 37:16

“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12:3

“…..but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” Daniel 11:32b

And the exploits that Jayd and Jacee have experienced speak volumes to the goodness of our God. And part of Jayd’s character is that he waited for the woman that God had for him, and boy, did God provide!!!

Jacee you make my heart sing with delight and you have lived this picture of a godly woman before the world, standing faithfully beside the man that you devoted yourself to. I know that GOD has great and amazing things ahead for you. Due to space I have chosen some portions of Proverbs 31 that just jumped off the page with your name on it. And in answer to the question “Who can find a virtuous woman?” there are two obvious answers—God found you for Jayd, and Jayd found you because He was following the same God that you each loved and served!!!

“Who can find a virtuous woman?

for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust

in her,

so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil

all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax,

and worketh willingly with her hands…….. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength,

and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth

that her merchandise is good:

her candle goeth not out by night………..

23 Her husband is known in the gates,

when he sitteth among the elders

of the land……..

25 Strength and honour are her clothing;

and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom;

and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways

of her household,

and eateth not the bread of idleness. ……..

her husband also,

and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously,

but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful,

and beauty is vain:

but a woman that feareth the Lord,

she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands;

and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

Portions of Proverbs 31:10-31

And Jacee, you and Jayd will be praised in the Lord’s gates and HE will exalt you. I’m praising God for your faithful love and I’m excited to see what God has ahead!!! I LOVE YOU, and “thank my God upon every remembrance of you”!