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Listen while you read: "Nearer My God To Thee"1
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Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)
Often, we have heard that someone we know passed away peacefully. Never did I fully comprehend how this happened until I saw it with my own eyes. As my husband was dying on Easter Sunday, I sat at his bedside as he lay, apparently, in a coma. His face was agitated, his right leg was jerking frequently, and his left side was paralyzed. I could tell that there was a battle going on inside him. He did not look at peace — not until a couple from our church arrived and whispered into his ear — first, the following passage from God's Word:
Luke 18:13 – And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, "God, be merciful to me a sinner!" (NKJV)
It was furthered whispered to him that all he had to do was repent and accept Jesus, and he would be assured of entering into eternity with the Lord. Tears then trickled from each eye. It was then that I witnessed the peace of God pass over my husband's face — it was incredible to see, and his body totally relaxed. I am sure that my husband had accepted Christ many years before, but there was obviously something that he had to make right with God, and when this was done, he was granted the incredible peace that surpasses all understanding. In turn, I received this peace as I sat at his bedside holding his unresponsive hand. He was still on life support as we awaited the arrival of our eldest daughter from another province.
After our daughter had a visit with her dad, there were several family members present, along with our pastor, who led us in prayer and repeated, "The Lord is my Shepherd".
Psalm 23:4,6 – Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (NKJV)
Life support was then removed, and within ten minutes, my husband went so peacefully into our Father's presence on Easter Monday.
Prayer: Father God, we praise You for Your wonderful grace and peace bestowed in the hour of death upon those who have trusted and rested in Jesus, and for the peace that You have left within the hearts of those of us who watched them pass peacefully into Your presence. In spite of the shock of sudden change, we are so grateful for Your love that carries us through each day. Without You, Lord, we wouldn't make it. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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About the author:
June Heale <jinnybug@shaw.ca>
Parksville, British Columbia, Canada
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A peaceful passing – I held my mother’s hand and repeated the Lord’s prayer – She squeezed my hand and passed that night. My father the night before he died was lucid and talking. I visited and told him he had been a loving father, faithful husband and loyal to God and the church. We were at peace with the Lord.
How very fitting to receive this reprint of the devotional about my husband’s last few hours on this earth. My health is very precarious at present and the doctor has said I would be gone several times, but I am with God watching over me still. Such “Blessed Assurance”, Jesus is mine. Thank you for the repost. I am amazing many, but I am in God’s hands, what better place to be.
Hello June
Thank you for this moving message from 2008.
I had the remarkable experience to be involved in the transformation of my uncle. It was like seeing the devil come over his face when I asked him if he would accept Jesus, a bit scary actually. I knew he was too weak so I knew he could not hit me so I asked again and then like you say, this peace came over him and he had enough strength to say yes. I am so thankful God did this for my uncle and me.
God bless.
Amen dear sister! Thank you for your message! It’s a blessing to me. I watched my own father pass into glory…what an amazing site indeed!