Tim’s Secret

Tim wasn’t a quitter. When he saw something that needed to be done, he pitched right in. He could unload a trailer of manure and dig a drainage pit without giving up halfway. He was happy when he was serving.

Tim was someone you could trust. His wife left him soon after they were married, but he kept loving her and treating her kindly. He was always thoughtful with his words and never complained, even when others gave him a hard time.

Tim was a good friend. When someone had troubles, he would listen to them and offer to help if he could. Tim didn’t talk much. Instead he prayed. It is always a blessing to be around someone like that!

Do you know the secret of Tim’s life? It started when he was 8 years old and he realized he needed to be saved from his sins. He put his trust in Jesus and was born again (John 3:3). Tim knew he needed God’s help to do what was right. So he found a log in the woods and went there to pray. He read his Bible and asked God to help him do just what it said.

The more Tim spent time with the Lord, the more his life was filled with God’s love and patience and gentleness. Even though he had many troubles, knowing Jesus gave him joy inside. One little boy who knew him said, “Tim walked with God. I want to walk with God, too.” He realized that the goodness in Tim’s life didn’t come from Tim. It came from being with God.

Not long ago, Tim got very sick with malaria. When he realized that he was going to die, he wasn’t afraid. “I put my life in God’s hands,” Tim said, “and I’m still keeping it there.” He trusted God and lived for Him with all his heart. Now Tim can be with the Lord forever!

—shared by a friend of Tim