I had arranged a special weekend to take my kids and nephew to visit my parents, giving my wife a peaceful weekend alone. I remember that day vividly. Everything fell into place—the timing, the kids being ready, and all the details aligning seamlessly. But what started as a routine visit forever altered the course of my life.
As we left home, I noticed we were three hours ahead of schedule, which meant extra time with my parents. Upon arriving, my mom contacted my dad, who was just a few miles down the road, to let him know we were there. I knew he would be home soon, so I began unloading the minivan.
While retrieving our bags, he arrived, and I waved as he drove past to park near the lower level of the house. While I carried the bags to my room, my young daughter and her cousin went downstairs to greet her grandfather. Shortly after, my daughter came back with a worried expression. I asked what was wrong, and she hesitantly said, “Grandpa is... downstairs taking a nap?” Alarmed, I rushed downstairs to find my dad in the midst of a massive heart attack. I shouted, “Call 911!”
I tried to help him as he grasped for life, but it was too late; my dad died in my arms. The ambulance arrived, and they attempted to revive him, but he was gone.
It marked the most devastating day of my life. In the days that followed, strengthened by the Lord, I officiated the funeral and helped my mom pack to move in with us. Upon returning home, I withdrew emotionally. The weight of my father's absence was crushing. The inability to seek his counsel or even just share a conversation left me with a pain unlike any I had ever known.
After allowing me time to mourn for a few months, my wife approached me. She gazed into my eyes with heartfelt sincerity, and said, "I need my husband back.” At that moment, I had a revelation. I realized I hadn’t been the husband and father I’m called to be. I apologized to her, walked to the backyard, and was overcome with emotion. It was there that I recognized the true value of family and the significance of relationships over material possessions. I prayed for forgiveness and thanked the Lord for comfort during this trying time. I prayed, “Lord, here I am, use me!” Deep within me, I felt His response: "Trust me and go into ministry." My wife and I decided to follow this calling, and for over a decade, we have served as missionaries in full-time family and marriage ministry.
Looking back, I can clearly see how God used this tragic event to awaken us to His purpose for our lives and enable us to make a greater impact for His kingdom.
Contributed by: Billy Altman
Scripture Reflection:
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
”And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.“
Memorization Challenge:
To help you internalize this verse and carry it with you throughout the day, try using the following memorization tools:
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Read it aloud a few times during your devotional time. Repetition will help familiarize the words in your heart and mind.
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Write the verse by hand in a journal or on a piece of paper. The act of writing will engage your memory and solidify the verse in your mind.
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Use a mnemonic device by writing down the first letter of each word in the verse (AWKTFTWLGATWTFGFTWACATHP). Then, use only the letters to help recite the verse from memory.
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Set alarms throughout your day with the first-letter mnemonic as the title of each alarm. When the alarm goes off, pause to reflect and recite the verse.
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Post the verse somewhere visible, like on your mirror, computer, or phone background. This will act as a visual reminder to meditate on it throughout the day.
- Text the verse to a friend or family member, engaging in conversation about its meaning. Reciting it in different contexts reinforces retention.
Try incorporating these methods into your day to truly imprint Romans 8:28 in your heart and mind!