Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction
of things not seen.
On June 18, 1999 Gary and Gloria Sloan, Southern Baptist
missionaries, who had been on the field of Mexico for only six months, were
enjoying a birthday celebration for their daughter, Carla, at a popular
swimming spot on Mexico's Pacific coast. With them were two other young
missionaries from the United States, Joy Murphy and John Weems.
Due to a strong undertow, Carla began to be pulled out to
sea. Gary, Joy and John rushed to save eleven-year-old Carla, but they were
overcome and drowned, as did she. When Carla's body was brought to shore,
Gloria doubled over in agony, unable to breathe. But it was then that she felt
the physical presence of Jesus.
Gloria said, "I felt such a strength and power and
control. I looked down at my daughter, and I had such a peace" A large
group of people gathered to watch this unfolding tragedy. And before long, four
bodies lay in the sand. But what happened next is truly amazing. Gloria stood
over the bodies of her dead loved ones and gave witness to the saving power of
Christ. She told the people, "The pain I felt because of the loss of my
husband and daughter was not as much pain as I felt for the true lostness of
those standing around me".
Gloria Sloan then told the people that her daughter and
husband were standing in the presence of God. And then she said, "What if
you were the ones laying here? Would you know you would be in God's
presence".
Gloria's husband and daughter were buried in Mexico.
After their funerals, she went home to Texas to heal. And believe it or not,
after almost six months, Gloria packed up her remaining three children and went
back to Mexico to finish the work that she and her husband had begun.
The Lord wants you to be sure of the things that He has
promised.
“Faith is extending an empty hand to God to receive His
gift of grace.”
Dear Lord we thank
You for Your Word help us put our complete faith in You in all situations. In
Jesus’ name, Amen.
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