Finding Faithfulness - Eddie's Story

Faithfulness. It seems to be such a rare quality in today’s world. Compromise abounds, resulting in broken promises, broken commitments, and broken relationships. But amazingly, God produces the fruit of faithfulness in the lives of those who consistently abide in Him.

Ventura Missionary’s Business Administrator, Eddie Eberhard, has lived in close connection with his Savior for decades, and his life yields the evidence of that abiding relationship with God. Eddie is known to be stable, dependable, devoted, constant, loyal, and true, all adjectives listed in the definition of faithfulness.

Lynda, Eddie’s wife of 49 years, enthusiastically describes the many ways she has experienced and observed the faithfulness of her husband. She says, “Eddie has a faithful servant’s heart and is one of the most humble men I have ever known.”

Eddie and Lynda have three sons. Eddie coached all three boys in baseball, despite his busy schedule. He faithfully attended their games, and now attends his grandchildren’s games as well. The younger Eberhard men watched their dad prioritize church on Sundays and now do the same with their own families.

Eddie has been devoted to his commitment to Lynda since the beginning when he would literally go the extra miles to pick her up for school when they were dating. She says, “Our boys know we are not perfect, but they have seen their Dad shower me with flowers, gifts, and homemade German Chocolate Cake on my birthday over the years.”

Eddie shares, “For me, to be faithful, requires character (given by the Holy Spirit) that demonstrates availability, personal integrity, and firm convictions. I miss the mark plenty of times, but the grace of God continues to relentlessly transform me day by day, even at my age. To be faithful to my wife and sons is directly proportional to my commitment to and love for God!”

Eddie is grateful to have had two parents who loved the Lord and made sure that he knew that God is faithful no matter what. He watched his parents go through a lot and continue to trust in God. Their outstanding examples were demonstrated daily as he was growing up.

The Eberhard’s have been attending Ventura Missionary for decades. In fact, Eddie served on the Church Board for over 30 years, over half of those years as the Chairman. His commitment to the church has been unwavering through smooth and rough seasons, which is why he was approached by our Elders in 2018 to join the staff in his current role. Eddie’s co-workers often comment about their trust in Eddie and highlight the stabilizing presence he brings to the team.
Of course, there are always temptations to compromise. Eddie shares about an occasion that challenged he and Lynda. Their house payment had increased substantially, and on paper it looked as though there would be no money left once monthly bills were paid. But Eddie believes in Scripture, and 2 Corinthians 8:5 states, “but they first gave themselves to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.” Eddie and Lynda were tempted to give less than their commitment to God, but they chose to follow His will first. Lynda says, “Eddie had total trust in God’s faithfulness.” Eddie says, “The miracles that followed to meet our needs demonstrated the awesomeness of His faithfulness. We never gave to get – we just gave to Him first, and He was faithful to take care of us in ways that were faith building!”
 
Eddie is thankful that God has given him a love for His Word which helps him to abide in Christ. He says, “I am not a huge reader, but I love reading the Word of God, and how it leads me into worship and deeper relationship with Him. It just speaks for me as I communicate with Him.”
And Eddie doesn’t just read God’s Word, he applies it. Acts 2:42 says, “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostle’s teaching (the Word of God) and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Eddie says, “These four elements are critical as we grow in Christ. I find that, as long as I am incorporating these elements into my walk with the Lord, I am growing in my love for the Lord. If I leave any of them out, my walk is not as strong.”

So, what happens when you spend this much time with God who is ever-faithful? What happens when you cooperate with His Holy Spirit year after year, through good times and bad? The character of God starts spilling out onto those around you. Just ask Lynda. She will tell you, “If the boys or I need wisdom, we go to Eddie. He is faithful to listen with grace and respect. He has faithfully served as provider, protector, and the priest of our home. I respect his godly example of Christ’s love in our family. I am so blessed to be his wife and his partner for life.”

Maybe faithfulness need not be so rare after all. We can choose to abide in Christ just like Eddie. And Eddie would be the first to say that God is the source of a faithful heart and life. “The LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5