As I plan for the World Race, closing lose ends and saying goodbye’s are a sad part that comes with the preparation. I have been blessed with two loving parents who always supply my wants and needs; for my birthday this year I asked for a last minute ticket to visit my sister at Wheaton College. God graciously provided the funds and time-off for me to be able to fly on Wednesday (my birthday) to Illinois, and what a blessing to be joined with my best friend!
Getting to be with my sister, Regan, is one of the most powerful ways the Lord sanctifies me. She addresses my sin issues on the outside, but also the deepest parts of my heart that even my closest friends do not see. Even though she is three years younger, her love for the Lord and maturity in various situations constantly pushes me to be more like Christ.
However, this can also be challenging. There were times when she would identify a heart issue that I thought I had dealt with, leaving me in tears. Yet, like Christ, she returns to help me get back up again. The greatest thing we can do as believers is to love like Christ loves the church. In my life, there is no one that displays that kind of love like my sister. Her sin nature is prideful, self-absorbed and boy-crazy. Yet through her relationship with the Lord and desire to love Him more than her sin, she overcomes these flesh-like characteristics.
The entire weekend was spent laughing, making Oberweis runs, late night Los tacos, and deep talks with her roommate. She has such a community at Wheaton, and being with her encouraged me so much more as I leave for this journey in January.
I would push you today to ponder this question, “Who does the Lord use most to sanctify you?”
I challenge you to love that person well and when they have criticisms about the sin in your life, receive them with a meek spirit. You never know what the Lord can do when He wants to make your more holy; graciously, He gave me a sister.
