"Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me."
Phil 1:19-26
When Lee heard these words she too expressed being torn between staying with us and being with her Lord and Saviour. For now she wants to remain.
It was written by Paul in a letter to the church in Philippi while he was in a Roman prison. My iPhone Bible app has a commentary that says this,
"To those who don’t believe in God, life on earth is all there is, and so it is natural for them to strive for this world’s values: money, popularity, power, pleasure, and prestige. For Paul, however, to live meant to develop eternal values and to tell others about Christ, who alone could help them see life from an eternal perspective. Paul’s whole purpose in life was to speak out boldly for Christ and to become more like him. Thus, Paul could confidently say that dying would be even better than living, because in death he would be removed from worldly troubles, and he would see Christ face to face (1John 3:2, 3). If you’re not ready to die, then you’re not ready to live. Make certain of your eternal destiny; then you will be free to serve—devoting your life to what really counts, without fear of death."
Along this cancer journey, Lee continues to tell others about Jesus and she drew comfort today from the words of Paul's letter. I'm so proud of her.
We anointed her with oil, took communion and prayed again for a complete and miraculous physical healing. So let not our hearts be downcast today but renewed with hope. I confessed that I had begun to doubt God but I am again confident of His plan for all our lives through Lee Anne's continued life or passing.
How amazing and comforting are these words. Xx
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