Monday, May 2, 2011

Our Loss, Heaven's Gain



I was deeply saddened last week when I learned that David Wilkerson had been killed in a fatal car accident. My heart sank as I opened the daily devotional that morning, as I do every morning, only to read that David had gone to be with the Lord. I rejoiced in his going home, yet pondered, what a great loss for this world. I reflected back on the last devotional he had written and his words could not have been more powerful. I had printed off the devotional to keep in my Bible, and pulled it back out from the day before to reflect on his final words:


"Beloved, God has never failed to act
 but in goodness and love. 
When all means fail-His love prevails. 
Hold fast to your faith. 
Stand fast in His Word. 
There is no other hope in this world."


Those words took my breath away and brought me to tears. I would no longer hear such wise Spirit filled words from this man who had been used greatly by God to carry my faith. In a moment, he was gone. I heavily relied on His teachings, devotionals, and newsletters throughout the steps of faith that I took over the past 6 years. For instance, last year God had been speaking to me about "Crossing the Jordan River" . . . I had accepted by faith that this was God's Word to me, but 6 months later began to doubt. One day, I took a walk in the park by my home, speaking deeply to God about my doubts about "Crossing the Jordan." I felt that heaven had fallen silent and I walked home confused, wondering if I had truly heard from God on this matter. As I arrived home, I checked the mailbox, and found David Wilkerson's Newsletter that had arrived. I walked in my home, opened the letter and nearly fell to my knees as I read the title, "A Skeptics Guide to Crossing the Jordan." I sat down, embraced by God's holy presence, realizing that this man of God (David Wilkerson) had just been used in impacting my faith in greater ways than he would ever know. (Coincidence? Never . . . there is no such thing when you're walking with the Lord. Proverbs 16:9 tells us, "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.")


I mourn at this loss, yet rejoice that he was a man surrendered to God who I am CERTAIN captured God's heart. If you have never heard of David Wilkerson, I invite you to go to World Challenge. Download his sermons, read his archived newsletters . . . you will find more strength for your faith than you can imagine. I read his works OVER and OVER and OVER! I will continue to.


I want to share this VERY moving teaching of David Wilkerson. A man after God's own heart . . . a man who   asked God to break His heart for the things that broke God's. A man who left this world a better place than when he came into it. Thank you Lord, for the precious gift of this man's life! I am "challenged" by Mr. Wilkerson . . . to use the precious life I'm given to glorify God and leave this world by impacting it in the name of Jesus!



I would also HIGHLY recommend his book,
"Hungry for More of Jesus."

7 comments:

Tammi said...

Dear Cherie, I watched that video clip and sobbed! Made me think of Nehemiah. And the many people around me that are lost. "They that sow in tears--shall reap in joy." And David's last blog devotional was something that made me say, "oomph! What powerful 'last words' and he didn't even realize it." Yet, we should all be living our lives as "living epistles, (or "living blogs") known and read of all men---and live each day as if it were our last. I want you to read August 11th's devotional from "My Utomst for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. It talks about when Elijah was "seen no more." When we lose our inspiration, what are we to do? Oh...as soon as I read your post, I thought of this devotional. If you don't have this book, then google it, I am sure you can find it online and read Aug 11's entry by Mr. Chambers. No doubt it will encourage your dear heart! :) (By the way, that is one of my favorite devotionals ever!) My grandmother, who is in a way, like "my Elijah," gave me the devotional many years ago.
Thinking of you and praying for you too!
I pray that God would raise up many of His children to allow David's "cloak" to fall upon their shoulders!
Love and hugs,
tammi

Beth Herring said...

that saddens me as well, as i read one of his books when i was just a kid! i will definitely need to buy this one and i thank you for the links you provided!

Cherie Hill said...

Tammi, I'm going to email you sister!

Beth, wow . . . wondering which book of his that you read!?! Stopping over to visit you sister!
Blessings,
Cherie

Just Be Real said...

Oh my goodness. I did not even know he was killed until I read it here. How sad.

Debbie Petras said...

Cherie, this man impacted my life too! I was so saddened to hear of his sudden death on Wednesday. I remember reading so many years ago "The Cross and the Switchblade"; the story of Nicki Cruz. How that story touched my heart. If Nicky could come to know the Lord, maybe those I loved could too?

I read his last blog post too. In fact, I used his quote for my In Other Words Tuesday quote for later this month.

Thank you for your prayers and kind words. I've been so busy lately that I've been late in responding to your kind Easter greetings. Thank you so much.

Much love,
Debbie

Walk In Truth said...

Hi Cherie,
Easter week I actually watched The Cross & The Switchblade, on youtube. I was familiar with Pastor David Wilkerson's sermons, but I had never read any of the devotional blog post, that was until I saw his blog listed under your blog list. It was a huge blessing, and like you stated in this post; noting happens by Coincidence.

Your post is amazing, and very, very encouraging. Your experiences that you share have had an impact on me, and I'm so thankful you share so openly.

God bless you, friend
Michele

Deborah Ann said...

Oh, Cherie, how sad. I love David Wilkerson! We just got back from camping, and I hadn't heard the news yet. My heart is heavy, just like it was when I heard that Adrian Rogers passed on into the glory. I know that these godly teachers are passing up to the heavenlies, but still...I miss them. I miss them...

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I am so blessed that you would take the time to share your thoughts with me! You encourage my faith and I pray that God will fill you to the full with His love, mercy,and grace! With joy, Cherie

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