Today, I went to visit Ms Connie, one of NEHBC's sweet saints. I'm sad to report that since the last update, she has only deterioriated...rapidly. Her family reports that hospice is doing a great job. Baring a miracle, it seems the end could well be at hand. As I looked at her frail body as she struggled to breath, I was reminded of her remarks to me just last month as I sat in her living room. "Pastor Nathan, you seem more worried about this than I am. I want to live, but if God is ready to take me home I'm fine with that. I just want His will for my life." She is an amazing lady.
Ms Connie does seem to know what is being said around her, so today I spent time reassuring her that as a Christ follower, she has nothing to fear in death. The conversation went like something like this:
Ms Connie, sometimes when we get to the very end and death is at hand, we get scared. I want to reassure you that as a child of God you have nothing to fear in death. It has no sting for us. You are saved because you have confessed Jesus as your Lord. Because you were part of NEHBC, you gave lots of people the opportunity to watch your life over a long period of time and we have seen the fruit of the Spirit in you as well as a spirit of obedience to God and His Word. You have given us so much evidence of your salvation. You have nothing to fear. And if you die, you will be in the presence of God immediately; there will be no delay. You will be face to face with the Lord Jesus before you even realize you died. So, fight it as long as you want to and there is no doubt about it, God can still heal you, but if He decides it is time for you to go home, you have nothing to fear, Jesus is waiting for you. He'll be the first one you see. God is good.
Pray for Ms Connie and that the Name of Jesus Christ would be glorified through her. She would want nothing less.
Ms Connie does seem to know what is being said around her, so today I spent time reassuring her that as a Christ follower, she has nothing to fear in death. The conversation went like something like this:
Ms Connie, sometimes when we get to the very end and death is at hand, we get scared. I want to reassure you that as a child of God you have nothing to fear in death. It has no sting for us. You are saved because you have confessed Jesus as your Lord. Because you were part of NEHBC, you gave lots of people the opportunity to watch your life over a long period of time and we have seen the fruit of the Spirit in you as well as a spirit of obedience to God and His Word. You have given us so much evidence of your salvation. You have nothing to fear. And if you die, you will be in the presence of God immediately; there will be no delay. You will be face to face with the Lord Jesus before you even realize you died. So, fight it as long as you want to and there is no doubt about it, God can still heal you, but if He decides it is time for you to go home, you have nothing to fear, Jesus is waiting for you. He'll be the first one you see. God is good.
Pray for Ms Connie and that the Name of Jesus Christ would be glorified through her. She would want nothing less.
Posts
