The Greatest Test, A Testimony Heard Round the World!

Today I heard one of the greatest messages I have ever heard on the love of God. Like millions of others around the world I was glued to the television awaiting the funeral of the late Dr. Billy Graham. Once again, I have to praise God for the opportunity we have in this country to not only hear and celebrate the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, but for that message to be broadcast throughout the world. Yet, even though I knew it would be a fitting tribute to Dr. Graham, true to Dr. Graham, who planned it, it was more a glorious praise to the God of Heaven and the finished work of Jesus Christ.

While I follow the work of Franklin Graham and read much of the writing of Anne Graham Lotz, I have never heard the story of Ruth Graham Bell who gave a heart-rendering testimony of perhaps the worst time of her life. She spoke of her divorce after 21 years, where after she turned to a party life. She met a man who all of her family, including her children urged her not to marry. She married him anyway. After 24 hours she knew she had made a mistake and after five days she fled from him in fear.

She wanted to go home, to talk to her mother and father. All the way to their North Carolina home she struggled with how she would face them, saying you never want to face your father after you have embarrassed him and you really don’t want to embarrass Billy Graham! As she drove up the highway to their home on the side of the mountain, she saw her father standing there. As she got out of the car, he wrapped his arms around her. She said there was no shame, no condemnation, only unconditional love. It was then she saw what God the Father was like through her own father, Billy Graham.

I don’t know whether this testimony will be reported – but herein is the message that Billy Graham preached – for us God’s love sent Jesus,, to love, to die,, and rise again –  that we might also live with Him forever!

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.Job 23:10-11 (KJV) Rest in Heaven – Dr. Billy Graham

Maria