Celebrating the Legacy and Victory of Lois Evans
Summary
Lois Irene Evans was a remarkable woman whose legacy continues to impact countless lives. Her memory and influence are deeply woven into the fabric of her family, church, and ministry. Her passing was a moment of profound reflection and prayer, not just in Dallas but across the nation and the world. As we wrestle with the mysteries of God's will, we are reminded of the nature of His victory. In God's eyes, Lois was always going to be healed, whether in this life or the next. She was always going to live, whether with her earthly family or her heavenly one. Her life was a testament to the truth that victory belongs to God.
Lois's footprints are evident in the life and ministry of Dr. Tony Evans and the Urban Alternative. Her influence is a testament to the power of a life lived in faith and service. The Evans family, through their dedication to expanding God's kingdom, continues to honor her legacy. In recognition of her contributions, an award has been created in her memory, ensuring that her grace-filled wisdom and service to the National Religious Broadcasters will not be forgotten.
As we reflect on Lois's life, we are reminded of the profound impact one person can have when they live in alignment with God's purpose. Her life encourages us to trust in God's victory, even when we don't fully understand it. Her legacy is a powerful reminder that our lives can leave a lasting impact on others, and that true victory is found in God's eternal promises.
Key Takeaways:
1. Understanding God's Victory: God's victory is not always understood in human terms. Whether in life or death, healing or passing, God's victory is assured. This perspective challenges us to trust in God's eternal plan, knowing that His ways are higher than ours. [01:56]
2. Legacy of Faith: Lois Evans's life exemplifies the profound impact of a legacy rooted in faith. Her influence on her family and ministry serves as a reminder that our actions and faith can leave a lasting imprint on the world. [01:19]
3. The Power of Prayer: The global response to Lois's passing highlights the power of prayer and community. It reminds us that in times of grief, the collective prayers of believers can bring comfort and strength. [01:02]
4. Living with Purpose: Lois's life encourages us to live with purpose and dedication to God's kingdom. Her service and wisdom continue to inspire others to pursue their calling with passion and commitment. [02:41]
5. Eternal Perspective: The assurance that Lois is smiling in heaven offers a comforting eternal perspective. It reminds us that our ultimate home is with God, and our earthly journey is a preparation for that eternal reunion. [02:58]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:38] - Remembering Lois Evans
[01:02] - Global Prayer and Reflection
[01:19] - Lois's Lasting Impact
[01:56] - Understanding God's Victory
[02:09] - Assurance in God's Care
[02:25] - The Absence of a Giant
[02:41] - Honoring Lois's Legacy
[02:58] - Eternal Perspective
[03:15] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
2. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
Observation Questions:
1. How did the sermon describe the nature of God's victory in relation to Lois Evans's life and passing? [01:56]
2. What role did Lois Evans play in the ministry of Dr. Tony Evans and the Urban Alternative, according to the sermon? [01:19]
3. How did the global community respond to Lois Evans's passing, and what does this reveal about the power of prayer? [01:02]
4. What was the significance of the award created in memory of Lois Evans, as mentioned in the sermon? [02:41]
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the concept of God's victory challenge our human understanding of life and death? How does Isaiah 55:8-9 relate to this idea? [01:56]
2. How does Lois Evans's legacy exemplify the impact of a life lived in faith and service? What can we learn from her example about leaving a lasting imprint on the world? [01:19]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of community and collective prayer during times of grief? What might this suggest about the role of the church in supporting one another? [01:02]
4. How does the assurance of Lois Evans smiling in heaven provide an eternal perspective on our earthly journey? How does 2 Timothy 4:7-8 speak to this assurance? [02:58]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to understand God's will in your life. How can you apply the lesson of trusting in God's higher ways, as mentioned in Isaiah 55:8-9, to that situation? [01:56]
2. Consider the legacy you are building through your actions and faith. What steps can you take to ensure that your life leaves a positive and lasting impact on those around you? [01:19]
3. In what ways can you contribute to the power of prayer and community support within your church or local community? How can you be a source of comfort and strength to others in times of need? [01:02]
4. How can you live with purpose and dedication to God's kingdom, inspired by Lois Evans's example? Identify one area in your life where you can increase your commitment to serving others. [02:41]
5. How does the assurance of an eternal home with God influence your perspective on current challenges or struggles? What practical steps can you take to keep this eternal perspective in mind daily? [02:58]
6. Think of someone in your life who has left a significant legacy of faith. What qualities or actions from their life can you emulate in your own journey of faith? [01:19]
7. How can you honor the memory of someone who has passed by continuing their work or values in your own life? What specific actions can you take to keep their legacy alive? [02:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Unseen Victory
God's victory is not always understood in human terms. Whether in life or death, healing or passing, God's victory is assured. This perspective challenges us to trust in God's eternal plan, knowing that His ways are higher than ours. Lois Evans's life exemplifies this truth, as her healing was assured in God's eyes, whether in this life or the next. Her story encourages us to embrace the mystery of God's will, trusting that His victory is always present, even when it is not visible to us. [01:56]
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to see God's victory? How can you begin to trust in His unseen plan today?
Day 2: The Lasting Impact of a Faithful Legacy
Lois Evans's life exemplifies the profound impact of a legacy rooted in faith. Her influence on her family and ministry serves as a reminder that our actions and faith can leave a lasting imprint on the world. Her legacy continues through the work of Dr. Tony Evans and the Urban Alternative, demonstrating how one person's faith can inspire and empower others to expand God's kingdom. This encourages us to consider the legacy we are building and how our faith can impact future generations. [01:19]
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7 ESV)
Reflection: What kind of legacy are you building through your actions and faith? How can you intentionally influence others for God's kingdom today?
Day 3: The Strength of Collective Prayer
The global response to Lois's passing highlights the power of prayer and community. It reminds us that in times of grief, the collective prayers of believers can bring comfort and strength. This communal support reflects the unity of the body of Christ, where believers come together to uplift one another in prayer. Lois's life and passing serve as a testament to the strength found in shared faith and the comfort that prayer can bring in difficult times. [01:02]
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16 ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community needs your prayers today? How can you join with others to support them through prayer?
Day 4: Living with Purpose and Dedication
Lois's life encourages us to live with purpose and dedication to God's kingdom. Her service and wisdom continue to inspire others to pursue their calling with passion and commitment. By aligning our lives with God's purpose, we can make a meaningful impact in the world and honor the legacy of those who have gone before us. Lois's example challenges us to evaluate our own lives and consider how we can live more intentionally for God's glory. [02:41]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to live more purposefully for God's kingdom? How can you align your daily actions with His calling for your life?
Day 5: Embracing an Eternal Perspective
The assurance that Lois is smiling in heaven offers a comforting eternal perspective. It reminds us that our ultimate home is with God, and our earthly journey is a preparation for that eternal reunion. This perspective encourages us to focus on the eternal promises of God, finding hope and comfort in the knowledge that our lives have a greater purpose beyond this world. Lois's life and legacy serve as a reminder to live with eternity in mind, trusting in God's promises for the future. [02:58]
"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14 ESV)
Reflection: How does the promise of eternity with God influence your daily life? What changes can you make to live with a more eternal perspective today?
Quotes
"Lois's memory and her family and their children is an outgrowth of the ministry. When she passed, the word of the Lord went out in a powerful way all across the country and around the world through social media. Everybody was praying, not only in Dallas, but around the country, and around the world and as I was wrestling with God, He answered, 'You don't understand the nature of my victory.'" [00:38:04]
"Her footprints are all over my life, my family, our church and our ministry. There would be no Tony Evans or Urban Alternative if there were not a Lois Evans. Thank you and God bless you. He said, 'There was always only two answers to your prayers. Either she was going to be healed or she was going to be healed. Either she was going to live, or she was going to live. Either she was gonna be with family or she was gonna be with family. Either she was gonna be well taken care or she was gonna be well taken care of. Victory belongs to Me.'" [01:19:00]
"Jonathan reminded us that his mom was really speaking to us at the start of this convention. When a giant steps out of a room, you note the absence. We can let this dear family know, they're so powerfully involved in expanding the kingdom. So I would like to call the Evans' up. So we created an award in remembrance of Dr. Lois Irene Evans. NRB will forever be impacted by the grace filled wisdom this precious woman of God brought and her service to the board of directors of the National Religious broadcasters. We love you so much." [02:20:23]
"Whatever impact God allows our ministry through your vehicles to have to your audience, remember behind it all, smiling in heaven, is Lois Evans. Thank you, and God bless you." [02:58:63]