Things that were important in her life and in the life of her husband have changed dramatically. Their lives are fully committed to Jesus Christ. They have served as missionaries in Mexico and in a Hispanic church in the US for more than a decade. Their love and trust in God is unwavering. If there is any change in that relationship it is a change of greater love, trust and dependency.
Leaves on the yard, emails to check, and contacts to make have all faded into the background of importance. Life in recent days focuses on whether there is an ability to stand, tolerate pain, and finding a position that is bearable. Conversation that brings a smile to her face is a cherished moment.
A miracle is needed. Prayers of faith are lifted for her healing. Leaving this life seems like such a tragic event. My friend has shared to her husband that she is ready to go home. There are too many better things in the forever life with Jesus. Jesus will wipe every tear from her eyes. No more sickness. No more pain. She will recieve a glorified body. There will be only pure love and joy in the presence of the One who created all things including my friend.
Cancer has brought her to an edge of eternity. Each of us is brought to that edge also when those we love are at that threshold.
2 Corinthians 5:1-9 NLT
For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. 4 While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 5 God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee He has given us His Holy Spirit.
6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please Him.