Day 38 - Glenn Weekley’s God

Posted by Michael O'Neal

“These all died in faith.” (Hebrews 11:13, ESV)

Throughout this “40 Days of Faith,” we’ve focused on living a life a faith that pleases God.  But what does it look like to die in faith?  Have you ever known people who kept the faith until the very end of their life here on earth? 

Yesterday, Glenn Weekley, pastor of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, TN, passed away at the age of 59.  He often said that his personal mission in life was “to go to heaven and take as many people with him as he could.”  I would say that Glenn Weekley “died in faith.”  Through all his health problems and pain, he kept the faith.  He made the most of his life here on earth.  A couple of quotes from the papers this morning:

“He was a great man of faith. . . . He’s had a number of physical problems over the years, and it seems that whenever he was in the hospital, he was ministering.  People were amazed at his spirit and his faith. He never complained about his circumstances. He was such an inspiration to us because of that.” – Richard Gaia, Minister of Education @ FBC Hendersonville

“He stands out as a man of integrity who was consistent and modeled faithfulness to his family and his congregation.” – Rev. David Landrith, senior pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church

“He was the real deal.” – Duane Allen, lead singer of The Oak Ridge Boys

Glenn Weekley was “the real deal,” and he serves as a model of faith for us.  He made his 59 years count for the glory of God.  Glenn Weekley’s God is the God of the Bible.  Glenn Weekley’s God is trustworthy and faithful, and we can follow this God to the finish line.  And maybe, just maybe, people will say that we “died in faith.”

PRAYER:  “God, thank you for giving us models of faith like Glenn Weekley.  We want to live by faith, and eventually, we want to die in faith.  From this day forward, I’m keeping my eyes on Jesus and refuse to be distracted by sin, or sickness, or sadness, or the things of this world.  I want to make my years count!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!”

POINT TO PONDER:  Glenn Weekley’s God is trustworthy and faithful, and we can follow this God to the finish line.