Bubba's consistent faith

Hello Andrée,

How are you? I received your letter. Thank you so much. You know, a lot of what we go through, big or small, is when our faith is proved good or not. The devil knows, Andrée, if he lets up on you, you will continue to hurt his kingdom. But the best thing you can do is lift our Lord up. I am now reminded of the words of Paul. He said about all his troubles—from being shipwrecked out in the sea with no boat, starved, beat (he even says he welcomed death). But he made a statement: It was God who kept him up and going, not Paul. So if anyone knows what it’s like when all don’t seem to be going our way, remember God gave you His Spirit as a down payment of what’s to come.

Your faith, your praise, Andrée, the devil can’t stop it. It’s all up to you to be like Paul and know we are not fighting flesh and blood. There is a battle going on and yes, we are caught in the middle. Do what I do: I bless our Lord in some way, if it means to another person or someone you might not care for. But bless someone—if it’s a kind word or a helping hand. The Bible says in that you are sowing righteousness and you’ll reap a reward of peace. Go to a church and lift up our Lord in praise, Andrée. And remember you’re a woman of faith. The Enemy has your picture on the wall. Do you think you can spread the gospel and not be attacked? Of course you know that.

I have to do all this I say to you too. You know I don’t want to but Andrée we have the victory. Christ won it for us. I love you, okay? And it will be worth it in the end.

Love, Bubba

This may be my last prison correspondence from Bubba, who will be released this month, having served his time since August 1998 when he was age 32. This isn’t one of his more notable letters, and has nothing in particular to recommend its sharing with you, except its sheer consistency of faith.

His advice to me is, interestingly, advice playing itself out, here and in many years of communication. Bubba exhorts regarding the blessing attached to upholding the name of the Lord before others. He will reap this blessing. His letters have been, now that I think of it, the opportunities God has allowed him to do good verbal deeds that God will in turn graciously credit to him for righteousness (Philippians 4:17). Having repented of his sins, he has proved a good and faithful servant in the peculiar place God has had him serve and learn. And (as he says) it will be worth it in the end.

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