I received word this evening that my aunt may only have a few days to live. She was diagnosed with cancer of the pleural cavity and was undergoing chemo. She took a turn for the worse yesterday and was hospitalized. The doctors discovered her right lung was not functioning, and her system was toxic with carbon dioxide. My aunt and uncle are believers as well as their children.
In speaking with my sister, she said to pray that it would not be too soon, meaning my aunt's death, and to pray that God would be in control. Lest I point the finger, I was that way for most of my life - having a morbid uncertainty whether events were God's will or not. But I gently said to her that God numbers our days. It will not be too soon or too late. He is in control, even over the spread of our aunt's cancer.
But after I hung up, I had to ask myself would I feel this way if it was my mom who was dying? Or my daughter? Or myself? Would I be secure in God's sovereign plan, knowing that nothing can happen that is not His will? Would I question Him or believe that He is good even in the face of death? "For me to live is Christ, to die is gain." Is that really true?
Rachel Barkley, in the midst of dying of cancer at age 37, was able to say, "Gain!"
I pray this for my aunt and uncle. I pray this for myself.
In speaking with my sister, she said to pray that it would not be too soon, meaning my aunt's death, and to pray that God would be in control. Lest I point the finger, I was that way for most of my life - having a morbid uncertainty whether events were God's will or not. But I gently said to her that God numbers our days. It will not be too soon or too late. He is in control, even over the spread of our aunt's cancer.
But after I hung up, I had to ask myself would I feel this way if it was my mom who was dying? Or my daughter? Or myself? Would I be secure in God's sovereign plan, knowing that nothing can happen that is not His will? Would I question Him or believe that He is good even in the face of death? "For me to live is Christ, to die is gain." Is that really true?
Rachel Barkley, in the midst of dying of cancer at age 37, was able to say, "Gain!"
I pray this for my aunt and uncle. I pray this for myself.
It is in times like this that our own helplessness is most keenly felt. Pour out your heart to your loving heavenly Father. Tell Him everything, don't hold back. After all, He is our loving heavenly Father.
ReplyDeleteCraig B
I echo SSL's words. I stopped to pray for you and your family. Remember, we grieve, but not like those who have no hope. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, brothers. My aunt knows that she is dying, but she said, "I am going home to my Heavenly Father." Praise the Lord for the assurance and hope of eternal life in Christ.
ReplyDelete