Monday Morning Encouragement - The Glory of the Unseen

 

Source: Heartlight.org


Therefore we do not lose heart, but through our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18


My late husband was diagnosed with a terminal heart disease at the age of 47. Something beautiful and wondrous happened in Jim's life as he walked through his serious affliction. He began to see it as "light" in comparison to the glory He would one day receive in the presence of Jesus, his Savior.

 

As Jim's physical body became weaker and weaker, his inner spiritual life became stronger and stronger. God spared Jim's life for twelve years, and for that I'm grateful. He was with me to see our son marry and have children of his own. We enjoyed playing with our grandchildren and came to see every day as a gift. But, like Paul, Jim had his eyes on his eternal prize. He understood that what he had on earth was temporal, a small blip on the radar screen of eternity. Never losing heart, Jim rejoiced in what was to come -- the glory of the unseen. Praise God!


I marveled to see my husband face death fearlessly. He knew beyond any doubt that his eternal destiny was firmly fixed in Jesus Christ, and that His faith and trust in Him was all that was required to be assured of a place in Heaven. And he looked forward to the day when He would see his Savior face to face.


This is how I want to live. Not to live in fear of death, for surely each one of us will die. But to live with the calm assurance that Jesus is there to carry us through whatever may come in this life, and to finally welcome us to our heavenly home when our time on earth is done.


The song I'm sharing with you today is one of my favorites: Lord of Eternity by Fernando Ortega. It's a beautiful melody with prayerful lyrics. I pray it will minister to you.



I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.






11 comments

  1. Thank you for sharing this story. It is beautiful and inspiring even though it must have been difficult for you to have lost him so early in life. At my age, my thoughts naturally turn to scripture promises such as this.

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    1. It was difficult, Dewena, and yet I knew when he left that he was going to a place he longed for. I understand that, for it's how I feel now. Some days I'm so tired of dealing with this chaotic world that all I can think of is how sweet it would be to "go home". Hugs to you, my friend.

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  2. Such a beautiful story of your late husband and how he truly could enjoy everyday here with you and still not be afraid to leave you because he knew of this beautiful place he would go and you someday will join him. Beautiful song and I love his piano playing. Thank you for sharing with us today. xoxo Kris

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  3. Nancy, I wanted to share a similar story with you.

    My grandma was a believer for most of her adult life. She worried though from time to time, that maybe God wouldn't let her into heaven. When she was dying she had a bit of fear of the unknown coming (what it would be like). Then one day when I went to visit with her, she said to me, "I can't wait to get to see Jesus, and have him wrap his arms around me and tell me that he loves me!"

    Our precious Lord had prepared her to go to be with him! She was eagerly waiting for it. She passed less than a week later, very peacefully. I am forever grateful to the Lord for this lesson!

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your grandma's story, Deanna. Her testimony of eagerness to see Jesus could only come through the power of the Holy Spirit. He is our Comforter and Counselor. :) I loved this story and am so honored that you shared it here. I'm looking forward to meeting your grandma one day. That's the beautiful wonder of Heaven. All believers will one day have a homecoming celebration with King Jesus. Hallelujah! xx

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  4. wow! What an incredible journey for Jim and you, Nancy. Thank you for sharing something so personal. Often, we spend most of our waking hours thinking about living, and that's understandable. However, it's very important to think about dying, too. I've been living with recurring cancer since 1998. There have been long stretches of health, and other times of pain and difficulty. God has never left my side for a second. Praise to the matchless Lord of Eternity! (Beautiful song). I agree with Jim. Walking in the shadow of death is light compared to the glory beyond! God is still God and I am so thankful that He has the power over life and death. I trust Him. xoxo

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  5. What a sweet, beautiful testimony, Pam. I do believer it's in suffering that we really come to know the depth of God's love for us, and His faithfulness. I don't know of any other way that we can fully experience Him that way. Thank you for sharing your story. It is a great encouragement to me, and I know it will be to others. xx

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  6. What a beautiful story of faith - and the song is wonderful! I love Fernando's music - much is on my playlist for my walks. My father's name was Jim (too) and he faced death with the same anticipation and hope that your dear hubby had. What a testimony of God's grace in hard things. Thank you SO much for sharing your personal story.
    ~Adrienne~

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