A Legacy of Faith

On January 18th, I woke up very suddenly around 6:30am. About a half hour later, I received a phone call, and learned that my wonderful grandmother had gone to be with the Lord.

In the initial sadness, I felt comfort, because she knew Jesus, and I am going to see her again someday.

“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” – 2 Corinthians 5:1

My grandma and I were a lot alike, especially when it came to sharing details with our loved ones. When something happened, we preferred to keep it to ourselves, much to the frustration of our family, and husbands.

Maybe it’s because we don’t want to bother anyone, or cause them to worry. Maybe it’s because we don’t want to cause a commotion, or we don’t want anything to be out of order.

I’m sure that my grandmother would have much preferred to hide the illness from everyone, and even from herself.

“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:8

My grandma lived a long, happy and healthy life. She was 91 years old at the time of her passing, and only received a diagnosis after the age of 90. She (together with my grandfather who is still present with us and going strong), left a legacy of faith for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” – Revelation 14:13

Despite the doctor’s report, she never felt any pain, even when her physical strength was taken from her. But still, the situation could cause our faith to be shaken. Why did God allow her to be struck with sickness?

That is never the right question to ask.

My faith hasn’t wavered. In fact, it’s stronger than it’s ever been. As I watched the foul, vile disease that took my grandma from us, it reinforced the truth that there is no way a loving Father would ever be content to see His children suffer. There’s no way such an affliction could be used for punishment, or to teach us a lesson or to test our faith.

There is no way.

It is a contradiction to the heart of God.

“who forgives all your sins, and heals all your diseases.” – Psalm 103:3

What this situation also reinforced is that there is an enemy of our souls, content to watch our destruction. There is a devil who prowls around, not only looking to devour us, but persuading us to question God, and question the victory that is already ours through Him.

Healing is our portion just as the forgiveness of sins is our portion. And there is nothing, not even a circumstance thrown right in my face, that could ever change my mind.

“A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.” – Job 14:5

My grandma didn’t go through debilitating pain. Her body began to deteriorate so suddenly and so rapidly. It wasn’t a prolonged period of suffering. It wasn’t months of agony. She spent the last moments of her life surrounded by her loved ones.

Of course we wish she was still with us. But we have a lifetime of memories. She may no longer be here in body, but she will live forever with her Savior in heaven. And one fine day, we will all join her there, and be reunited for eternity.

“all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” – Psalm

Never allow any circumstance, no matter how dire, sway your faith, or cause you to doubt the truths of God in His Word. Instead, all the more we have to put on the full armor of God, ready to battle the evil in the supernatural realm.

And the most important piece of armor is our confidence and our assurance that we serve a God who heals. We serve a God who is bigger, stronger, and more powerful than the devil and his schemes. We serve a God who wants our good, and not our destruction; who wants to bless us, not see us suffer.

“for I am the Lord, who heals you.” – Exodus 15:26

Through the power of His Holy Spirit in us, we have dominion over sin, over sickness, and over the enemy. It’s time to stand stronger now more than ever before. The war may be waging but we have the victory. Jesus has already won. Don’t be defeated. We are more than conquerors.

“With long life I will satisfy you, and show you my salvation.” – Psalm 91:16

Grandma, you can be proud of the example you set for us. I’m going to carry on your legacy. I will miss seeing you here on earth, but I know you’re being welcomed into Jesus’ arms, and hearing those most wonderful words, “well done my good and faithful servant.”