WEEK 23: CREATING A FAITH-FILLED LEGACY BY TOWRY JORDAN-BARNARD

The word faithfulness has been on the tip of my tongue for some time now. I realize it takes on a different meaning from person to person; however, to me it’s power posts a strong presence in my reality. This characteristic of our Lord keeps my mind and emotions sound.  His faithfulness is imprinted throughout my life, miracles big and small.  Creating a faith-filled legacy commands being faithful to God.
 
Wikipedia states faithfulness is the concept of unfailingly remaining loyal to someone or something and putting that loyalty into consistent practice regardless of extenuating circumstances. If you have been on this earth long, I bet you have had one or a few of extenuating circumstances. How did you react? Where did you turn? For me, I turn to God. Remaining faithful to God, has been the key to seeing God’s faithfulness in my life.  Let me explain.
 
Three years ago, my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and my world came to a screeching halt. My relationship with the Lord was strong but boy I needed extra strength, discernment, peace and comfort.  My dad was extra special to me, he truly unconditionally loved me and his family.  We were both in turmoil over his health and situation. You see, my dad’s legacy of hard work was on the line because of some poor choices he had made, choices that were out of my control.  He had allowed sin to take root in part of his life and it was jeopardizing everything.  I had never experienced this type of suffering in my lifetime nor had he.  All I could do was pray without ceasing for God’s will and redemption. Throughout this painful journey of his illness and passing, God’s word and faithfulness endured.
 
As my sweet friend Bridgette and I were discussing God’s faithfulness, I was reminded that God wants us to partner with him. Let’s think about this, in a marital relationship there are two people involved. It’s difficult to maintain a healthy relationship if it’s one sided. God is sitting in the background waiting for us to partner with him. He doesn’t force himself on us, he just asks that we chose to have a relationship with him through Jesus Christ. I chose God. I chose to partner with God. I chose to build a relationship with him through consistent prayer, quiet time and studying scripture in the Bible. As my dad’s illness and legacy was in the midst of a spiritual battle, I chose to partner with God and fight. Yes, days were long and dreary, my mind would go dark, but I chose to surrender the illness, the pain and the legacy over to God. I chose to remain faithful on good days and bad. I believe this is how I truly began to understand and see God’s faithfulness in my life.  Over and over and over again, God provided. God’s faithfulness left me absolutely speechless!  I witnessed my father’s heart turn towards the Lord and God redeem his legacy.  Psalms 100:5 states “For the Lord is good, his unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” Amen!
 
So, how can we remain faithful to God when we live in a world where it seems faithlessness is the new norm instead of faithfulness? You get to decide. It’s your choice.  I encourage you to do your part in being faithful in partnering with God, faithful in prayer, faithful in sharing the gospel, faithful in the small things, faithful in trusting God completely with your life no matter what the battle.
 
The faithfulness of God will withstand time here on earth and eternity. The fruit of your relationship with the most high God is eternal. I leave you with this: God is faithful. Where in your life can you show more faithfulness? We have the privilege to create the legacy we leave behind. Choose a faith-filled one!
 
Towry Barnard is a native Oklahoman who graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in Business Communications.  She received her Master’s degree in Adult Education and Training and continues to utilize this skill set today. Throughout her adulthood she has focused on topics including: student leadership development, character first, early childhood education and God’s word.
 
Towry worked in higher education for over a decade. She combined her work, personal passions and parenting experiences to pursue writing and producing a children’s DVD and Book, titled: Zugio and the Sunshine Kidz which are tools encouraging children to lead a healthy lifestyle. Currently, Towry owns and operates her family’s real estate company and is working on her next creative writing adventure.
 
She met her husband Adam Barnard while attending OU and they have been married for 13 years. Together they moved to McKinney, Texas in 2011. Towry has a 13-year-old daughter, Tatum and a 5-year-old daughter Tindyl. 
 
She has been a member of Cottonwood Creek Church for 8 years where she has enjoyed volunteering in children’s ministry and teaching God’s word in the women’s ministry.
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