Feb 17, 2007

The Beauty of the Church


It was no warmer than 15 degrees this morning and snow was covering the ground. But still more than ten men from our church showed up at 9:00 to take our first steps toward bringing Ian home. Within two hours, all of the patio slabs in the back of the house were dug up from the frozen ground, patio furniture was moved, one tree was completely cut down and two were trimmed to allow room for the addition.

This morning was such an example to us of the God's amazing design of the church. Only God could move so many people's hearts to become eager to help us, doing manual labor, in the middle of the winter. The church gives a glimpse of the beauty of the Lord- what a blessing to experience this within our own local church. It was so neat to watch because God's presence was so obvious- no one was complaining- these servants' hearts were evident.

This trial is not about us. It's not about Ian. It's not about what we post, who I am or who the Murphys are. While God is using this to grow our own faith and is using this blog to encourage so many people, this is about God's glory alone. His name alone is worthy to be praised.

-Larissa

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks Larissa for your reminder of the Lord we all serve. Our prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

This is sweet to hear, praise God for his church. praying for you all

Anonymous said...

I, like others, came across Ian's story on the solo femininity blog--the first time i happened across it. Obviously, this story is an incredible testimony. I am so moved by the fact that Ian brought you to the faith, and now you are standing by his side through the strength of the God he taught you about. God is very clearly at work in you.
I think this story caught my attention even more because of the strange timing--the week after Ian's accident, I spent all of my days in a Pittsburgh hospital as well--in the room of my best friend, who was in the final stages of cancer. He went home to be with our Lord at the end of that week--but even so, we know that God is good. As his brother said at his memorial service, "If Kevin could come back and tell us one thing, he would say to us GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL!" I imagine if Ian could speak right now, he would remind us of the same thing.
Keep praying, keep abiding in Christ. Thank you for sharing your trials and triumphs with us. God bless you.

Anonymous said...

At church this morning, the scripture reading just jumped off the page at me and I want to share it with all of you in hopes that you will be encouraged. The first reading was from John 15.

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me, you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers and the branches are gathered and thrown into the fire and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you."

The Lord has been pruning and there has been much fruit. God WILL be glorified! The second reading is my prayer for all of you, but Paul puts it much better than I could:

For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith - that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and hight and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3: 14 - 21

Anonymous said...

I'm from FL, and I also first read about you and Ian on the solofemininity blog...You have been an inspiration to me and so many others. Thank you so much for sharing what God is showing you through this time...He truly alone is worthy of our praise. His ways are indeed flawless and His Word is true. Keep on reflecting His glory. I'm praying for you all.

Anonymous said...

Praise God for outstanding men with servants' attitudes. I have been to your church several times with a friend and his family and I am always amazed by how incredibly kind the people there are. Ian is in my prayers, as are you and the rest of his family. Be encouraged, friend.

rochelle