Earlier today my mom died of a heart attack. She would have been 70 years old later this month. She was a special lady. She loved deeply. She forgave. She taught. She encouraged. She believed in the importance of a biblical foundation and Christ-centered education. She prayed for her children and grandchildren to follow Jesus. She encouraged me to grow and use my gifts for God’s glory.

I’m writing this tribute because she encouraged me to write. In elementary school I used to write short little stories about sharks and boys and heroes. A few years back she gave me a box for Christmas. It contained some of those stories and many other things she kept from my childhood. It was one of the best Christmas gifts I ever received. You see, she kept everything out of love for her children.

While she can’t come back and tell you anything in person, I’m pretty sure I can speak for her on a few things.

My mom would tell you she was far from perfect. And that is true. She had her faults. We all do. But her faults were forgiven. Now her faults are no more.

My mom would tell you that her relationship with Jesus is better than ever. She used to say she was not a deep-thinking theologian. But she did know her Savior. She prayed and had a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Her prayer life is an inspiration to me. No other person taught me more about prayer and God’s faithfulness than my mom.

My mom would tell you that her children were God’s gift to her. After having children of my own, I think I know what she meant. This afternoon I sat down with my boys, Will (7) and Nathan (3), to tell them that their “Meme” had died and gone to heaven to be with Jesus. I said that I was very sad and would miss her deeply. Will spoke up with a bright smile on his face and said, “You don’t have to miss her. She’s right here” (and he pointed at my heart). I burst into tears of sadness and joy. I know what she meant. My children are God’s precious gifts.

My mom would tell you that it is wonderful to be better. Her last few years were filled with aches and pains that few knew about. She lived in constant pain. But not anymore. I am deeply saddened by her death. But I am so happy she will not cry out in pain tonight. I’m so happy that her knees and hips and ankles and back no longer hurt. I am so happy that she got to see her mom and dad. I am so happy that she got to see Jesus.

My mom would tell you not to be sad for her, but to pray for her family. She always told me she was praying for me, for my family, for others. If you are reading this and want to take one thing from the life of Elaine Hefner, would you pray? Pray for those in your family who need Jesus. Pray for those who need strength. Pray for those who are suffering. Pray for those who need to sense God’s peace and presence tonight. I am proof that God answered the prayers of my mom.

Thank you mom. Love you. Will see you again one day.

We all are entering this year with specific challenges and opportunities. Some of us have made bold resolutions that we hope will change our lives significantly. Some of us are facing sorrow and sadness due to death and disease. Others of us are optimistic and hopeful about our prospects in 2018. There is one question that we must ask ourselves over and over again. Is our God big enough?

By that question, I don’t mean that you have your own individual god. Rather, do you have the correct perspective on the God of the Bible? If there is one thing that would drastically affect your 2018 positively, it is your view of God. In the last chapter of the book of Isaiah God speaks,

Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. Isaiah 66:1-2a

I’m convinced that our view of God is the most important thing in our lives. Too often our view of God limits him to a genie in a bottle, or a violent judge, or a jolly old man not so different from Santa Claus. God is rarely anything like our visions of him. When we learn to believe his own self-revelation from the Bible we are rightfully awed and gloriously encouraged. The challenges of earth sit cleanly underneath the feet of the Sovereign Lord. The location of God’s presence is not limited to a church building, but he is everywhere. And all that we see, well God made it all. So none of our challenges are challenges for God. None of our difficulties are difficult for God. None of our ambitions are ambitious for God. He is far grander, far greater, far more powerful, and far more glorious than we could ever imagine. And God tells us what our response to his grandeur should be.

But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:2b

When we see God for who he reveals himself to be, we can only be humble. When we see God for his holiness, we must be contrite. When we learn to read and heed God’s self-revelation from the Scripture, we must tremble in awe and application.

I cannot tell you what 2018 will hold. I cannot anticipate all the opportunities, challenges, and difficulties you and I will face. But I can tell you that if you want God’s presence and guidance through this year, you need to follow his admonitions. See his glory and humble yourself. See his holiness and be contrite. To see his glory and holiness, read his word and tremble. Tremble in fear at his astounding glory. Tremble in sorrow at your sin. Tremble in wonder at his forgiving grace. Tremble in joy at his offer of relationship.

May this year be for you the year that you see God for who he really is!