How are you using your story to extend God’s grace?

Posted by Eddie Nolan on Jan 13, 2011 in Daily Bread | 2 comments

Paul’s modesty is so genuine. It is amazing to see how God used Paul, not only to glorify Himself, but as such an incredible example of faith in Christ. His story is incredible. After he changed his ways and devoted himself to the Gospel, he never ceased to be amazed that someone so unworthy as himself would have been chosen for such an important task.

Have you ever looked around for a modern day example of someone who grasped onto the Gospel and then devoted themselves everyday to being more Christ-like? We just lost such a person.

For those of us who have had the honor of knowing Norma Wayco, I see the same humility in the way she lived her life. My wife and I met Norma and her husband, Bill about 10 years ago. Over that decade, we’ve had the privilege and honor of sharing many special moments with them. One of which, was being baptized on the same day with Bill in 2002.

In our time together, Bill and Norma have been more than friends to us…they’ve been like family, they’ve been mentors. We look up to them in their marriage, their business careers and more importantly, their generosity.

Norma was diagnosed back in May of last year with pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, she lost her battle on January 4th, 2011. When I think of Norma, I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7:

“Remember this, whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. “

Not only are Bill and Norma the most generous people I’ve ever known BUT it is the way they show it – through their humility. They are an incredible example of what it means to truly be a “cheerful giver”. They used their opportunities to share the love of Christ through that giving.

For those of us who knew Norma, she always put others ahead of herself. She was a person who loved to take care of others. She had an incredible gift of hospitality and loved to throw a great party. She never missed an opportunity to share her faith, even at the end of her life.

As Jesus came closer to the cross, He comforted His disciples by saying:

“In My Father’s house are many rooms, if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me, that you may also be where I am.” – John 14:2-3

Now, I know Jesus doesn’t need help preparing a place for us. For those of us who really knew Norma, you can bet that if there’s such a job in heaven – she’s trying to get it! She was an incredible model of selflessness, generosity and humility. We will miss her!