Joey

Back in April when I spoke at a youth rally in Beamsville, Ontario, I met a young man named Joey Merling. Joey was no ordinary teenager. That was obvious from the moment I met him and his noticeable lack of hair.

As Joey and I sat to talk, it seemed like hair was the only thing the cancer had taken from Joey. The more I spoke with him, the more I was amazed at his faith. Here was a teenager who was facing death square in the eye, but his faith remained strong.

I am sure that in darker, lonelier moments, Joey would ask the questions all of us would:

Why me?

Did I do something to deserve this?

Why can’t I have a “full” life?

If we are honest, all of us have moments when we ask those questions…and many more. Some of us question God. Others question if God is there. Others even question God’s existence.

I talk with teenagers every week who encounter a variety of struggles and difficulties. Some of them are the direct result of decisions they have made. Others are the result of the actions of other people. Some of them deal with situations that seem to come out of nowhere.

God never promised us a carefree life. He never promised it would easy. As a matter of fact, Scripture tells us to expect difficult times.

Joey’s difficult times came to an end this past week. He lost his struggle with cancer at the age of 18. After a courageous battle, Joey is experiencing the ultimate victory.

Although my time with him was brief, Joey Merling left a mark on my life. He reminded me that life is not about me. He demonstrated an incredible faith and outlook on life.

When I complain about things that are not all that important, sometimes I remember sitting in the gymnasium at Great Lakes and talking with Joey about life and his battle. The words he shared about his faith echo in my mind.

Some people spend their whole lives hoping to make an impact. They dream about becoming a celebrity or achieving success in a sport or other endeavor.

Joey Merling was a superstar in the Kingdom of God. He is not famous. He never graced the front cover of “Us” magazine or appeared on a Disney Channel show. But he lived a life that far surpassed the lives of most people.

In eighteen years, Joey made a more significant impact in this world than many people make in eighty years. He did more than talk the talk…he walked it. And in the process, he brought the Kingdom of God to life everywhere he went. I can’t wait to see him again someday and sit down for another talk.

shine!
Jason