Holding Tight To Hope

Holding Tight To Hope

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Hebrews 10:23

I’ve had the privilege of escorting many of my patients to heaven’s front door. When I am with them during their last moments on earth, the environment in the room changes. A peace that surpasses all understanding enters the room, and a calm takes over. In these moments, I know God is preparing to welcome them to their forever home.

I witnessed this happen again recently.

I was at the hospital making my regular rounds, and my next patient was in an adjacent building. While walking down the enclosed corridor between the buildings, I heard a code alert on the PA and realized it was for my patient. I quickened my pace.

Marco was so ill that he appeared much older than his forty-five years. His lungs were in such bad condition from smoking that he had been on oxygen for nearly a year. Yet, when the ambulance crew had picked him up to bring him to the hospital, they reported that he was smoking with his oxygen on.

We had tried everything we could to untangle him from his addiction to tobacco but without success. When I heard the code alert, I knew that his lungs were likely failing for the last time.

I thought about the conversations we’d had over the past few years. He’d never been open to talking about his spiritual health—until last year. That’s when he had accepted Jesus and started getting involved in his local church—as much as his health limitations would allow.

When I entered Marco’s room, it was controlled chaos as the code team did its work. When they realized I was there, all eyes were on me for guidance.

I knew that Marco wanted us to try CPR, but he didn’t want to be placed on life support. He was content with God’s timing. After a short trial of CPR, we called time of death. As everyone else left the room, I lingered to feel God’s presence. He had kept his promise to Marco to heal him for all eternity. Someday, he’ll keep the same promise for us, as well.

TODAY’S RX

Make time today to record your end-of-life instructions. Decisions made in advance allow everyone there to be fully present in the moment.

I can only imagine how it must feel to be fully restored in body, mind, and spirit, Lord. Thank you for the promise of eternal life with you. Help me to sense your presence while I live out my time on earth and to draw near to you for your comforting embrace.