The last three months have been the hardest of my life. My dad, Wayne Barber, whom I loved and adored, became ill and went home to be with Jesus two weeks ago on August 29, 2016. He was only 73 years old. There is not enough space here to fully express what he meant to me and how much God taught me through his life. I never thought I would survive something like this, yet here I am two weeks later. The only way survival is even possible is by God’s amazing grace and the prayers of the saints! A dear friend (you know who you are 🙂 ) shared something with me that prompted me to write this post. Years ago while going through a difficult time, she was given an old tract from the Gospel Tract Society which she has now passed on to me. I hope it speaks to your heart the way it did mine!
FOR THIS I HAVE JESUS
Many years ago in a small church in Ireland a message was given in which the minister said that Jesus’ words “Abide in Me, and I in you,” mean to simply say in every circumstance, “For This I Have Jesus,” and Jesus will say, “For This You Have Me.”
While he was speaking, a telegram was delivered to the young pianist. It read: “Mother very ill, take first train home.”
At the conclusion of the message she shared the telegram with us, and she added: “I have never traveled alone, but, ‘For This I Have Jesus.’ I must take a midnight train, but, ‘For This I Have Jesus.’ I must cross the channel and make connections on the other side, but, ‘For This I Have Jesus.’ Then I take a long train trip to the south of England, but ‘For This’ and all the suspense along the way, ‘I Have Jesus’.” As she spoke these words, we saw the Light of Heaven upon her face.
Several weeks later a letter came from her which was a song of praise. She wrote, “As I traveled that long sorrowful journey, I continued to say, ‘For This I Have Jesus,’ and He answered, ‘For This You Have Me.’
“As I reached home my sister fell sobbing on my shoulder saying, ‘Oh, if you had come ten minutes sooner you would have seen Mother who so longed to see you.’ Instantly I looked up and said, ‘For This I Have Jesus,’ and He came between me and my sorrow, and vain regrets had no power over me. We had never had a death or funeral in our family, and they all depended on me for every decision. Acknowledging my ignorance I said softly, ‘For This I Have Jesus,’ and He gave me His wisdom for every detail. there was also His perfect peace for all legal matters that needed attention. Now life has become joyous and victorious as in every circumstance I continue to say, ‘For This I Have Jesus.”
Christian Reader, What is the circumstance in your life today that is beyond your control? Is it sorrow, sickness, suffering, fear, unsaved relatives, disappointment, discouragement, guidance, finances, misunderstanding, or another trial? You, also, can look into His face and say, “For This I Have Jesus,” and He will say, “For This You Have Me.”
“Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will He clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Luke 12:27,28.
It’s in our weakness that He is strong. Christ in us is capable of handling whatever God has for us. Oh that we would live in light of this glorious truth. It was my dad’s life message! His favorite quote from Major Ian Thomas was, “I can’t, God never said I could. He can, and He always said He would!” Whatever you may be facing, run with me to Jesus tonight. He alone is able!!! Thank God we don’t grieve as those who have no hope. For this we have Jesus!
To receive a copy of the above tract, you can contact the Gospel Tract Society at 816-461-6086 and Irene can help you get hard copies of this tract. The tracts are free and you’re welcome to give them a donation if you would like to help support their tract ministry.
Simply Persuaded 
What a sweet, sweet story. What an encouragement that in your grief you choose to remember, “For this I have Jesus” and He answers, “For this you have Me.” Our God is so awesome. He goes before us in every circumstance just as your dear Dad told about his MRI experience. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you lots, Stephanie.
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Thank you so much MaryAnn!!! What a great God we serve! Erik was just talking about the MRI experience this morning. Such a great reminder. Love you and thank you for your prayers! Also your sweet voicemail blessed my heart.
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Thank you for sharing this!! ❤ Praying for you all, and in that I also thank God for you all!
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Thank you so much! Love you dear friend!
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I went to bed last night with a heavy heart. We’ve begun the journey with the terrible disease of Altzheimers with my mom. It breaks my heart to see her frustrated and confused. But your words have encourage me thus morning as your Dad’s words always did. “For this I have Jesus ” will be my montra through this journey. Thank you for sharing your heart.
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Karen, thank you so much for sharing this with me. I can’t imagine what you are going through. I do know the pain and heartbreak of seeing your parent suffering. There’s really no way of describing that feeling to anyone, but those who have experienced it understand. My heart goes out to you! Please know that I will keep you in my prayers! My mom reminded me yesterday of Psalm 23:4 which says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me.” It’s such a comfort to know that God is walking the journey with us! He’s right beside you and His Spirit lives in you. I praise God for His Word and the gift of His grace.
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Stephanie, we’ve lost contact over the years, but I do hope you remember me. I cannot tell you the depth of love we have for your precious family. I too, cannot find the words to tell you how much I loved serving under your dad’s leadership.. well.. that first Sunday without my toupee WAS kinda tough..lol. Do you remember that day??? LOL. We were so sad to learn of his illness and then shocked later to learn of his home going. Stephanie, of all the people who have gone on, until your dad’s passing I’ve never longed for heaven like I do now. I’m almost jealous of those who are there now, able to enjoy the fun and laughter your dad has taken to heaven. I can’t wait to see him again!!!
I do wonder if ever the Lord rolls His eyes, and grins at some of the stuff your dad is already saying and some of what he’s already into.
I’m looking forward to joining him and so many others one day when our work here is done.
I would love to talk with you.. please look me up on Facebook…
Much much love,
Tim Foland
PS… We’re so sorry we weren’t able to get to Chattanooga to see your family or participate in the celebration service. We did watch in tears and laughter and love on the internet.
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Dear Tim, of course I remember you guys!! LOL! Oh thank you for your kind words. The love and prayers we have received from God’s people has been overwhelming! Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post. We love and miss you all! Give my love to your family, and yes I remember the Sunday without the toupee 😂😂😂
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Stephanie,
This is such a beautiful blog/post! You have become a beautiful young woman inside and out! It has been a pleasure watching you and Steven grow into such amazing children of God! I remember hearing your Dad tell us over and over-it is Christ in us! Not anything of ourselves, but HIM, Christ in us! I’m so thankful and honored to have known Wayne and to have been able to sit under his teachings-what a treasure!!!! When I think of all the funny stories he has told about so many things, I can’t help but smile!! I think Steven has so much of your Dad in him, especially the humor! I loved it when Steven shared at the service how your Dad always bailed him out in different things, even that day, he was wearing Wayne’s sock, shoes and belt, and his laughter after telling that story was so Wayne!
I appreciate your precious heart and that you were able to share, how your Mom and Steven were able to share-only God!!! Thank you and much love!
Bunzie
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Bunzie, thank you!!!! What an encouragement you are! God has been so faithful to all of us over the years and in bringing us all together! So many wonderful memories and so much rich truth from the Word! Love you and thanks for commenting! Thanks for your love and prayers for us. I am so blessed by my mom and brother!! Lol Steven is so much like my dad, it’s so fun and comforting to be around him, especially now. Love you!
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Stephanie,
I have enjoyed reading several posts this morning from your blog. All were encouraging to my heart. This one, in particular, addressed my need today. I am sensing a few obstacles on my faith journey this school year, but with each step “For this I have Jesus”.
Have a beautiful day.
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I’m so glad you were encouraged Marissa!! That Gospel Society tract is so amazing. It encourages me too! Thanks for your kind words! Praying you have a beautiful day as well!! ❤️
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