Lesson from the Ostby

The Ostbys visited us and our church last month. I wrote about them on the past here. It's always a HUGE blessing to be around them. Sue's health continues to decline. The MSA Shy Drager had taken away her ability to speak, move, and balance herself. Imagine not being able to walk, raise your arms, or talk; to be dependent on others to brush your hair, put on your clothes; not being able to communicate except through eye contact. The Ostby, though, shows us how to live fully through though times:

a. By fixing our eyes and focus on Jesus and trust His words. Dana reminded us that our life here on earth is only temporary. Focus on things that has eternal value, things that really matters: love God and love others.

b. Keep praying, praising, and giving thanks. I never ever heard Dana, Sue, or the kids complain. They always joyful and thankful. Whenever we are around them, they would tell stories upon stories of how God has been good, gracious, and faithful to them and quickly thank and appreciate people who help them. The three kids we knew since 8 years ago have grown up to be three most loving, caring, godly young man and women that we ever known. What a testimony of God's amazing GRACE.

 

c. Keep serving. I saw twinkle in her eyes and smile when her husband hold her in his arm to assist her. Even though she no longer can walk or talk, Sue never stop ministering to others. She chose to praise the Lord despite her condition.Through her silent prayers, presence, and graceful attitude, many people have been touched and inspired. Dana told us a story of a tired and weary missionary who sit next to Sue during a conference. Tears kept flowing from his eyes that day. The weary missionary shared later on that God spoke to him through Sue and he's ready to go back to the mission field. She didn't say a word (because she couldn't) but by just being there she has encouraged many.

" We rejoice in hope of glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our heart by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." 

Romans 5:2b-5