In 2006 I made the life-changing decision to give my life to Jesus Christ. He turned my life around, gave me direction, and blessed me tremendously. The greatest blessing he gave me, on this side of eternity, was my beautiful wife. Since then we have both been following him together, and I’m a better man and a better Christian because of her. You see, Stephanie has an amazing amount of faith in Jesus. I’m not exaggerating when I say that either. It really is humbling how sold out and unshakable her faith is.
There is a story in the Bible where some rich people are giving their presumably generous offerings, and a poor lady gives her last two coins (Luke 21:1-4). Jesus explains “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Jesus was judging the heart of this lady, and commending her faithful obedience. Stephanie has this exact same heart. She would give (and has given) her last dime to Jesus, contently choosing to go without, just to know that she is pleasing him with her obedience.
I don’t have that same heart naturally. I like to be generous, but I’ll be completely honest with you, I would much prefer to give generously from my own abundance. I know that it’s for reasons like this that God gave me someone special, so her joyful faithfulness would rub off on me.
Stephanie, you’re my inspiration. I love you.