I recently went to a service to honor the passing of the father of my friend Dawn.  I never had the opportunity to meet the man I heard so much about during the service.  But when the service was over, I left feeling humbled to have gotten a glimpse into his life.  If ever a man preached his own obituary, it would have been Gary Lee Fisher.

From the time the first pastor shared memories of his friendship with Mr. Fisher, I knew he was not just an average man.  He was a devout prayer warrior.  A man who stood in the gap, ever interceding for those he met.  He would give people cards and ask them to write down specific things he could pray for.  He wouldn’t accept a general answer.  He wanted details.

From his close friend that served alongside him in the military, I learned that in the 23 years of service he gave his country, he was also a servant leader to the men he served with.  He counseled, taught, preached and prayed, fulfilling his commitment to serve both God and country.  The friend shared that when Gary decided to retire, his friend asked who would be able to continue the ministry among the men like he had.  Gary responded that it was up to him to carry it on.  He had left an example to follow.

From memories shared by his daughters, I learned he was a loving father.  He was an earthly father that gave a perfect representation of the love of our Heavenly Father.  A man that valued education and learning.  A man who loved laughter and who disciplined by loving unconditionally.

Gary lived a full life.  But the last years were hard.  He had ALS.  Dawn shared that someone asked her father why he thought God would have allowed him to suffer with that devastating disease.  His reply was that he believed God was just removing all of the distractions of life, so that he could devote himself to prayer.  I can only imagine the hours upon hours of sweet communion he had with his Lord as he laid motionless in his bed.  How many countless prayers of protection and blessings he prayed over his loved ones.  It cannot be known this side of heaven the trials and heartaches people he knew were spared because of his petitions to the Father.

When he was asked if he were bitter about his disease, he said that he could choose to be bitter or to be better.  He chose to be better.  And now better is what he has fully obtained.

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.  For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.”  Philippians 1:21-23 (NKJV)

Lest you think I’m making too much of just a man, please understand my heart.  From what I gathered listening to those who knew him well, I don’t think Gary would want us to lift him up.  But I believe his sentiment would be that of these two verses:

“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”  Hebrews 6:12 (NIV)

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”  Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)

Gary lived to point others to Christ.  By his family and friends revealing so many attributes and relating stories of his life, it convicts me to strive to imitate the lifestyle he displayed.  To commit myself to praying, not just ritualistic and generic prayers, but to pray specifics.  To strive to learn all that God wants to teach me.

Gary has now inherited what he was promised.  We can now consider the outcome of his faith.  He is in the presence of the Father, no longer constrained by a paralyzed body.  (Probably competing against Samson, doing one handed push-ups!)

And just as Dawn concluded speaking about her father, I will too.  Whatever we are facing in life, we have a choice.  We can choose to be bitter or to be better.  I choose better.  How about you?

 

To my friend Dawn and all the family and friends of Gary Lee Fisher, may God grant you peace and bring to mind an abundance of wonderful memories of your loved one. Thank you for sharing his life of faith!  God bless you all!