Abundant Life
This is a true story of one man’s faith, hope and assurance that can only be found through victory in Jesus. In spite of his terminal illness, his trust in the Lord remained strong and firm during the final days of his earthly life and beyond into the waiting arms of Jesus. That man was my dad.
One day my sister was visiting him at the care facility where he lived. It was one of those days when he wasn’t responsive, or able to talk, or even sit up by himself. He was just ‘out of it’, more asleep than awake.
The last stage of Alzheimer’s disease will often manifest itself in that way. Although he was bravely battling his illness, it was difficult and heartbreaking for him as well as for the entire family. Everyone seemed to know that his remaining life here on earth would soon come to an end.
As she was sitting quietly with him, he suddenly reached over, took her by the hand and began to mumble something. She didn’t immediately understand what he was saying, but soon realized that he wasn’t talking at all. He was trying to sing gospel hymns to her. The worship music he loved during the many years of his life had spontaneously burst forth from deep within his heart and soul. That cherished moment seemed to be a simple testimony and witness of his love for the Lord to those around him in that most unusual place and time. Praise God for His amazing grace!
There is a great message in that story for all of us. Joshua 1:5 (NIV) promises that when we truly have the Lord in our heart and life, then no matter what our circumstances might be or where we are in our journey through this life, He will never leave us. The Holy Spirit will dwell within us as long as we have life and breath. The Apostle Paul teaches in Philippians 4:11,13 (NASB) that we must be content in all circumstances of life through Christ who strengthens us.
The words of Jesus in John 10:10 (NKJV) tell us that He came to give us life and that we might have it more abundantly. As recorded in John 7:38 (NKJV), Jesus also explained that all who believe in Him will have rivers of living water flowing from their hearts. In Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians, he explains that when Jesus begins a good work in us, He will complete it through His work of grace in our life.
A few weeks later, Jesus called my dad home to be with Him. Dad had accepted Jesus as his Savior and truly believed His wonderful promise as recorded in John 14:2,3 (NKJV), “In My Father’s house are many mansions; If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also”.
Dad’s mansion was complete and ready for him. Jesus called his name and today dad, along with the awesome heavenly choir, is singing praises to the Almighty God on the Hills of Glory.
When dad became a born again believer, he experienced a spiritual healing during his earthly life. Then when God called him home to eternal life, he experienced a physical healing like none other because all things became new. We have the promise of 1 John 3:2 (NIV) that we will be like Him and will see Him as He is.
Scripture promises that He will wipe away all tears. There will be no more death, sorrow, crying or pain (Rev. 21:4 NKJV). Also, there will be no hospitals, or walkers, or canes, or wheelchairs. There will be no more Alzheimer’s, or dementia, or strokes, or cancer. Then with our new incorruptible bodies, we would be able to explore the limitless boundaries and grandeur of heaven forever without needing to stop for rest.
One day soon I will hear Jesus calling my name. On that day, I will see my Savior, Lord and Master face to face. When I see Him I will know Him by His shining, smiling face and by the scars in His nail pierced hands. That experience will be unlike anything we could ever imagine in this life. What a great day that will be for all who can truly say, “I am His and He is mine”!
I know my dad will be there too…and I will see him again.