For two and a half years, a visit to my wife’s oncologist was part of our weekly routine. But one visit was different. In a discernably subdued tone, he told us that he was going to stop her treatment. The chemo was no longer effective. My wife had come to the final stage of her fight against a fast-growing, aggressive cancer.
Lay Keng’s faith, however, remained strong. Her anticipation to see Jesus was palpable. She knew she would soon be home with her Father (John 14:1-3). With Paul she could say, “I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me” (Philippians 1:23).
Yet she was greatly conflicted—“torn between two desires” (Philippians 1:23). She experienced the intense tension Paul described. Ever mindful of her joy in being a wife, mother, and friend, she was also God’s servant and wanted to continue “to live for Christ” and “do more fruitful work for [Him]” (Philippians 1:21-22). But her surrender to God’s perfect plan reflects these words from Paul: “I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die” (Philippians 1:20).
At the time, Lay Keng didn’t know how much time she had left. All she was told was that she had “a few months.” But she knew that her heavenly Father knew her days. There were uncertainties, yet she was fully assured of her future hope (Philippians 1:20). “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better” (Philippians 1:21).
This assurance was only because of what Jesus did for her on the cross. And, as the Father’s greatly loved child, she had been set free from the power of death and the fear of dying (Hebrews 2:14-15). For my wife, now with Jesus, death held no fear. Indeed, she is “with Christ, which [is infinitely and unquestionably] far better” (Philippians 1:23).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 22:1-19
More:
Read Hebrews 2:14-18. Why did the writer say we don’t need to fear death and dying?
Next:
How do Paul’s words help you deal with the reality of death? What are you most looking forward to when God calls you home?
richrichie on January 13, 2017 at 5:21 am
Thank you, K.T… That must have taken a lot to write that, and I am SURE that it is going to help some people. Thanks again.
Amy Boucher Pye on January 13, 2017 at 5:59 am
What an incredibly moving and encouraging article. Thank you.
tedsenapat on January 13, 2017 at 6:32 am
Wow! K. T. SIM what a great testimony you share of our hope in Jesus! I pray God’s strength and Blessings on You and Your family!
gagirllive on January 13, 2017 at 8:41 am
What an incredibly beautiful testimony, K. T. I’m quite sure that Lay Keng’s faith in life AND in death continues to impact many people in so many ways. One thing I have never failed to see in the life of a child of God when facing death is the DYING GRACE that God gives them. I’ve seen it every single time. Often it is a process in getting there—that being torn between two desires of wanting to remain here and wanting to go to Jesus—but they reach a place of joyful acceptance and anticipation. My own mother, a believer who struggled with fear most of her life, experienced this dying grace that, sadly in some respect, made her dying testimony greater than her living one. I was amazed at the powerful presence of the Comforter in her as she waited peacefully for her transition…no fear, whatsoever. Why? Because she knew, just as Lay Keng knew, the One who has gone before us and conquered our greatest enemy! Jesus gave all of us this reassurance when He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11: 25) And wasn’t it the apostle Paul who rejoiced in this truth by mocking our defeated foe when he asked, “O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?” K. T., I’m sure you feel the loss of Lay Keng’s presence in your life everyday, but I know that you are also comforted by the fact that your loss is her gain. She is with her Lord Jesus! I look forward to meeting this beautiful woman in heaven, K. T. Thank you for sharing a bit of her with us while we’re still here on the journey. Her story gives me hope and courage to persevere. Blessings to you, dear brother.
gagirllive on January 13, 2017 at 9:05 am
Oops! I accidentally replied to your comment, tedenapat. But I couldn’t agree more as to what you shared! 🙂
lovedbygodforever on January 13, 2017 at 10:53 am
My husband passed away on December 3rd of 2016 of a terminal cancer at age 46. He was nonverbal that last week of his life and he was able to give me comfort from actually telling me he was in perfect peace. At first, it was beyond my understanding and after reading this I’m speechless. My husband always had a close relationship with Christ and now thinking back on his final days I’m so amazed. I’m seeking a relationship with Christ for myself now but I’m sorry my husband had to die for me to start seeking Christ.
gagirllive on January 13, 2017 at 2:38 pm
Beloved, my heart and my prayers go out to you, as your grief is so very fresh. Even in the midst of your many tears, I’m sure you are so grateful that you had the privilege to witness the dying grace of God in your husband’s departing days here on earth. Because he placed his trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of his sins, your husband is more alive now than he ever was here. He is experiencing abundant life without any limitations, pain, or sorrow. I’m thrilled to know that you are seeking that same peace with God that your husband had. Yes, it is something precious—a shared faith—that you could have had with your husband, but I know nothing would make him happier than for you to join the family of God and one day meet him there. The Lord says if you seek Him with your whole heart, you will surely find Him. And the best part of that is that He was seeking you before you ever thought to seek Him. Reach out to the Hand that is reaching out to you. Place all your trust in the truth of the gospel—Jesus Christ died in your place for your personal sins; He was buried, and on the third day He rose victorious from the dead conquering death, hell, and the grave for you, reconciling you to the Father forever! Be comforted in this amazing truth and love, dear one, and move forward with your life, anticipating the day when you will see not only Jesus but your husband as well. Praying for you today. Much grace and peace to you, beloved.
lovedbygodforever on January 14, 2017 at 9:44 am
Hi,
Thank you for the encouragement and heartfelt message. Remain blessed and keep encouraging others because your reply was what I needed.