Christopher the Runner
September 12th, 2008 Posted in encouragement, family, sermonsHello everyone!
Thanks so much for your kind and very thoughtful words on this blog regarding our son Christopher and his early departure to heaven. Many, many times they have been “words fitly spoken” (see Proverbs 25:11) that have brought encouragement to our family.
I am so sorry to know that so many of you have suffered and are suffering through similar circumstances. But thank you for speaking from your pain and helping me and many others that read this blog.
Christopher the Runner
Topher (my son’s nickname) was quite the runner in elementary school. He took it very seriously and had gotten quite good at it, running for our own Harvest Christian School. We went to many of his track meets and cheered him on.
The thing is, I also ran when I was back in school, and while Christopher was more of a cross-country runner, I was a bit better in the shorter races, like the 50-yard dash!
So, as Christopher got older, I would challenge him to a short race from time to time. I would always win, but I did notice that he was getting closer to beating me each time.
The day Christopher beat me
One day, Topher and I were at the beach and, once again, old dad challenged him to a race. We both took off in a burst of energy, but this time it was not all that close. Christopher won the race fair and square.
I was crestfallen! I was proud he had gotten so fast, but a bit sad that I could no longer beat him.
The Race of Life
We are all in the race of life. Paul used the running analogy many times in Scripture, reminding us of this.
In his last epistle, knowing he was headed for heaven soon, Paul wrote this to his young protégé, Timothy:
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.And now the prize awaits me–the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his glorious return.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV)
Christopher crossed the finish line before me
I always thought I would finish my race before Christopher and Jonathan, my two sons. But Topher did it again. He beat me, just like that day on the beach! He got to heaven before I did.
Instead of me handing the baton to him, he effectively handed it to me. Now, I have my race to finish, just as you have yours. So let’s run well, because we never know when our race will be completed.
Right now, Christopher is in God’s presence, worshipping the Lord. And for those of us who have also put our faith in Jesus, we will be doing the same before we know it.
But I sure miss him. More than ever as the days pass since he left us.
I am so thankful I have the hope I will see him again. If I did not have this hope, this would all be unbearable.
This weekend at Harvest
I will be speaking this Sunday at Harvest at all three morning services. This will be my first Sunday preaching in our pulpit since Christopher went to be with the Lord.
Please remember me in prayer, as I will really need it. I am beginning to ease back into this again.
You can come and join us or watch the webcast live or archived.
Thanks,
Greg
I was saddened to hear about your son, Christopher. I’ve listened to you for dozens of years and I know that you and your family must be at peace knowing that Christopher is in the Lord’s presence, something that is hard to even imagine; the beauty of it all that words can never explain. My heart goes out to all of you in this time, but knowing your faith in God and in Christ Jesus, you know that you will be with him again one day. May God continue to bless you and yours during this time and for always. My sister was murdered at the age of 17. I was 14. My brother died in a drunk driving accident at the age of 29 and I was 30. I still don’t understand why I’m still here, but none of us know when God will call us home and I am so blessed that I know him, thanks to many of your teachings and your books. Your entire family will be remembered in my prayers. As you inspire others, stay strong, keeping your eyes on the true author and finisher of our faith.
Thanks Greg. This was good encouragement to keep our eyes heavenward. Thanks Brother.
..Gary
Greg,
My younger sister died unexpectedly 7 years ago. If I wasn’t such a firm believer in the Lord, I know I would of never made it through. She left behind a husband and a beautiful blue-eyed three year old named Christian, whom I adore! I have helped raise him over the last seven years along with both sides of the families pulling together like one big team.
It’s so painful to go through the motions of watching a little one start school and go through holidays with only one parent. But with the love and commitment of everyone, I find that little Christian is doing quite well! He is so confident and has such a big heart, we are so proud. Now starting fourth grade I watch him with his friends, and he is such a happy little boy, that is so well liked by his friends.
I know the Lord has special plans for him. He loves and speaks of the Lord just like his mommy did. We remind him that his mom is very much alive in heaven and we will all be together again when God is ready.
Your granddaughters will grow to become so courageous, and have such empathy for others. The Lord has great plans for these two precious children that he has sent to be a part of your family.
Hi Pastor Greg,
I was at the 11:45am service this last Sunday, and you did good. I could just see God’s strength pouring through you, and you ministered to a friend that I brought. My friend has a friend who has a father that had just passed away, and we got a copy of the message for her.
I also liked your illustration on “Topher” with the race. Your illustration does illustrate hope, as you have emphasized these past 54 days.
Thank you.
Anne Maltes
Dear Pastor Greg,
Thank you for sharing your heart with us once again. I attend the 9:45 service and I just could not help crying when you talked about your “Topher”. I also pass by the place where he went home to be with our Lord every Sunday as I come from Yorba Linda, think of all of you. You and your family are in my prayers everyday.
My husband was just laid off from work, as was my niece and her son so we’re a little stressed, but I’m constantly reminded that our Lord will not lay anything on us that we cannot handle. Your message Sunday just reinforces that we can be strong in HIS arms. Pastor Greg, if you and your family can get through this time of mourning we can get through a little hiccup in our life. God Bless you and your family.
Pastor Greg,
I am writing you this email because you have inspired me to grow closer to God even more and more. I listened to your message 09/14/08 “Where were you Lord”, and you have given me new insight of how God really loves me as His son.
I have also watched all the videos for the Harvest Crusades and wish that I was still living in Southern California so I could have come and attended the Crusades. I attended a Sunday’s Harvest Crusade in 2004 and I re-dedicated my life to God during the invitation. I am now living in Las Vegas and it is my prayer that God will open the door for you to have a Harvest Crusade here in Las Vegas, a city everyone call “Sin City”.
You are truly an anointed messenger of God’s love to this lost world. May God continue to use you to bring millions of people to come to know Jesus Christ.
Dear Greg,
I know it’s hard when you lose someone you love. Three years ago, my father, after being in the hospital for a month, finally went home to be with the Lord. The medication that was given after his quadruple heart surgery caused respiratory distress and kidney failure. It’s funny, but; it seems that that was the closest we have ever been. In his last days, he was so much with peace with God and everyone that came to see him in the hospital was encouraged by him instead of encouraging him.
At times we thought that he was getting better, but soon he would go back into intensive care. The last time he went into the IC room, he stayed there until his death.
A week after his funeral, I had a dream that Mom drove up, and Dad was in the car with him. We all ran around to the passenger side of the car and asked Mom where did he come from and how did you find him. We were all excited to see him back, but when I looked into the car, he was looking up at me. He had the weakest eyes and the saddest look on his face. I knew right then and there that God was telling me that he was where he was supposed to be and he would not want to come back. That gave me some comfort and I hope that this will comfort you just a little bit more. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Pastor Greg and family,
Your family is a true witness for having hope in Christ. Sunday morning my 5 year old son was going through the radio stations and he called and said, “Mom listen, Greg Laurie is talking.” He then says, “I know it is him mom, because he is talking about Jesus.” What a wonderful way to be known. Thank you for all you do for everyone.