By Paul Black & Barbara Potts
The Apostle Paul gave this scriptural principle to the church of Corinth in his first letter chapter 12:24-26 (ESV)…
“But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”
A few weeks ago, Cornerstone lost a member of its leadership when Jim Potts went home to be with the Lord following a brief but intense battle with cancer. Jim and Barbara Potts have been leaders of “Cornerstone East” in Fort Washington, Md. for the last several years. It is not only a great loss for us but also an incredible loss for Barbara. Barbara has written a beautiful letter to the congregation that I wanted to feature in this week’s blog. The following is from Barbara.
“My Dear Cornerstone Family,
I want to share these thoughts as I have been processing through the recent events of Jim's passing…
None of us has a guarantee for tomorrow, but God numbers our days...
Jim and I had great plans for the future and our ministry together. Two months ago, we were exercising, lifting weights, hiking, eating nutritious food and doing everything people do to stay healthy. Things changed overnight - and with NO warning. In less than 7 weeks my beloved husband was gone.
My heart is broken with a pain that cannot be articulated. The whole thing was so unexpected and so fast. All of our plans are now canceled, and I am moving forward into a future I know nothing about.
Jim was a veteran and a patriot who served in the US Navy as an officer on a nuclear submarine during the Vietnam war era. He was always proud of his opportunity to serve. So, we want to honor his service by inurning him in Arlington National Cemetery. His post military career was all directed by his Naval Academy experience and his Navy nuclear power training.
I am lifted and blessed by my precious children and family and the many people like you who have been standing with us through this battle... The power of your love and prayers cannot be overstated.
As I have said, my future and way ahead are full of unknowns. But these things I KNOW:
God is GOOD – Luke 18:19
God NEVER changes – He is the same yesterday, today and forever. – Hebrews 13:8
He will work all things out for my GOOD – Romans 8:28
In my weakness He is STRONG – 2 Corinthians 12:9
His plans for my future are full of HOPE – Jeremiah 29:11
His LOVE never fails; His MERCY endures forever – 1 Corinthians 13:8 and Psalm 136
He will NEVER LEAVE ME nor forsake me – Hebrews 13:5
He is my STRENGTH and my SHIELD – Psalm 28:7
He HEALS the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds – Psalm 147:3
He will DIRECT MY PATH – Proverbs 3:5-6
I pray that Jim's life and legacy will continue to impact the work and world he left behind. And that in all, God would be glorified.
💗With much love,
Barbara”
Please remember Barbara in your prayers. She as a donation button on her “FaceBook” page if you would like to contribute towards her future and future ministry. As soon as a date comes available for Jim’s internment at Arlington, we will also be planning a “Celebration of Life” service at Cornerstone. We are all hurting with Barbara at this time but know the Lord has a plan that will be revealed in the days ahead. I close with some awesome encouraging words again written by the Apostle Paul in 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 (ESV)
“ 3 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord,[d]that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.”