My husband’s late wife, Kathy, had been feeling tired and they thought it was due to getting older—she was in her early sixties. She consulted with her doctor who sent her to a pulmonary specialist. After tests, she was shocked when she received an email. “Your tests reveal that you have pulmonary fibrosis. I’m on vacation but will call you when I return.” That’s it! A shocking email. After investigating more online, Kathy discovered her illness would be difficult, and her life expectancy would be five years or less. Thirty- nine months later, Kathy died.

It was a life changing message. Until then, Kathy and Jim had planned on a retirement filled with travels, more remodeling on their home, and continuing to expand the beautiful garden setting Kathy, who was a master gardener,  had designed on their property in the Columbia River Gorge. 

Life is like that. We go along in our ordinary lives. Our ordinary days. Then something happens. We get an email or phone call that tells us disturbing, sometimes devastating news. What do we do when that happens? I’ve been reading a comparison of Nehemiah and Daniel of old in the Bible. When they heard of devastating news of their country, they were disturbed. They wept. They fasted. They prayed.

Sometimes, all we can do when we receive terrible news, are aware of a terrible situation in our land, or somewhere in the world, is pray.

I’m reminded of the Psalms that Asaph wrote:

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
I desire you more than anything on earth.
26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
he is mine forever.

27 Those who desert him will perish,
for you destroy those who abandon you.
28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,
and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do (Psalm 73:25-28 NLT).

Today for me, life is good. My needs are being met. I have plenty. But I know there will be times just like Kathy and Jim, where I might receive news I don’t want to hear. Where did Kathy and Jim go when they heard this news? They of course investigated all types of treatment for Kathy’s condition. They consulted with another physician for a second opinion. When they found the diagnosis was true, they went to God.

During that time of failing health, Kathy and Jim depended on the Giver of Life where He gave them strength. While Jim cared for Kathy, they talked about things they never discussed before, for they knew their time together was short.  They knew for Kathy, she would die physically, but they were comforted. They knew her soul would be with God.

I recently read when talking with someone who questions the existence of God, to recommend they go to the New Testament and read all the “red letter” portions. Red letter, meaning all of the words of Jesus that were printed in red were his words. I like this passage where Jesus is talking to Martha, a woman who was grieving her brother’s death said this in John 11:25-26:

“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

I never met Kathy in this life. I know about her and her life from what my husband Jim has told me, but better yet, one day I will meet her face-to-face. How do I know? She believed. And so do I.

Get these Blog posts emailed directly to you.