“Now therefore, let it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever; for You, O Lord God, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever” (2 Samuel 7:29, NKJV).
My friend Carole’s mother recently “graduated to heaven,” leaving behind not only many who will miss her but a lasting legacy of blessing as well. This precious lady, though physically depleted and in pain from cancer, so appreciated her loved ones gathering around her in her final days on earth. And though those loved ones knew she was suffering, instead of witnessing her complaining they experienced her selfless concern, even up to the point of her death.
This dear lady’s pastor came to her in her last days and asked how he could pray for her. Rather than request that he pray for her to be healed or at least to have her suffering eased, she asked him to pray for her family who would be left behind. Her last thoughts and desires were that her loved ones would know and serve Christ and fulfill His purpose for their lives. When the pastor agreed to pray that way but then repeated his request to pray for her as well, she assured him she was just fine.
Hours before her departure she lifted her arms toward heaven and said, “Take me, Lord.” The sovereign God of the universe honored her request and took her home to be with Him. Though her spirit had departed, her body remained behind with a joyous smile on her face—yet another gift to her family from a merciful God.
Like King David, who wisely prayed for the Lord to bless his family and descendants “forever,” this humble servant of God named Nancy Shizue Whang, did the same. It is an example worth following, and I pray we will all take it to heart—not just on our death bed but each day, while we yet have breath to praise our God and to lay our petitions for our loved ones at His feet.
What a precious devotional, Kathi, about a dear woman of God. I have had to face a friend’s death recently, as well as a friend who is just beginning a journey with cancer, and both of them have been such an example to me of grace in the midst of trials.
I am learning that I need to face my daily struggles with the same kind of faith and resolve, to live a revived life, and not to let any idols do happy dances in my lifestyle so that I will face my final days with the same attitudes these women display. Grace at death does not just happen; it is cultivated in our daily choices to honor the King.
Thank you, once again, for making me stop and think, and turn toward Jesus and the scriptures for strength.
It seems to me that even though Nancy is in Heaven with Jesus, her blessings continue here on Earth; because that is a very beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it.
And thank you, Carley, for taking the time to leave a comment. Bless you!
Thanks so much, Dawn! I couldn’t agree more, my friend!
This reminds me of when my Dad passed away. My aunt pulled me aside after the funeral to to let me know that since we didn’t have parents here on earth to pray for us, she would gladly take up the task. I’m reminded of that each day as I pray for my own children & grandchildren now.