Bible Passages

Read John 14:1-4

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Devotion

A friend of mine, suffering from a serious illness for a very long time, texted me one night a few months ago. He wanted me to know he’d checked himself in to hospice care at the local hospital. I immediately prayed for him, then texted back for details so I could go visit him the next day, which I did.

He was in good spirits. He’d had several visitors before me, mostly family. He assured me his affairs were in order. His dog, his only companion since his wife died, moved in with his daughter. His will was finalized. He’d taken care of the myriad of minutia of his 70+ years, save a few things he handled from his hospital bed.He could no longer fight the disease consuming him, since it was too painful to eat. His meals came in liquid form, but he still didn’t eat or drink much.

I visited him every day. Every day I offered to pray for him. Every day, he told me he and God were good, and he didn’t need any fuss. When he would drift off, I’d sneak in a prayer anyway. On the fourth day, I felt him slipping away, so I prayed harder. As I lifted my head (he thought I was napping too!), I was suddenly filled to overflowing with joy. In fact, the whole room was filled with God’s love and joy!

As I opened my eyes, I saw and felt gigantic white wings encircle both of us! It felt like the room was full of angels. I could almost see them. I was witness to a miracle I’m still trying to sort out in my mind four months later.

I left shortly after that, knowing I’d never see him again on this earth. But the joy that filled me in that hospital room was strong and persistent. I drove home with tears running down my cheeks and a smile that stretched from ear to ear! I went to bed still overflowing with God’s love and joy.

The next day I went to the hospital as usual, but this time I stopped at the nurses’ station first. Yes, he had passed away.

I was so honored to have been invited to visit him during his final days. I was speechless and amazed that I was allowed to witness his moment of transformation! What a privilege it was.

That was such a special moment, and God allowed me to be a part of it. I will never forget how marvelous it felt. That joy starts welling up inside me all over again every time I relive that moment. Just thinking about it conjures up eager anticipation for my own special moment of transformation, once my work on this world is complete.

Prayer Focus

Those living or working in hospice care.

Prayer

Faithful and Heavenly Father, Who comforts those in distress, we ask You for Your comfort and peace when we fade from this earth. Remind us and those around us that this world is our temporary home. Our forever home is in heaven, where You have prepared a special place just for each of us. Hold us in Your mighty arms of protection and give us Your peace and joy as we make the final move into Your home. Comfort those we leave behind. Let them know we are not touched by death. Help them grieve, and fill the void in their hearts with Your love and joy.

Final Thought

This world is our home for just a short time. Our true home is in Heaven, where we will spend all eternity with the God who created this world and the entire universe! He loves us. He wants us to be happy. When we’re right with God, we will be filled with happiness and joy forever.