A matter of weeks ago, I was preparing for death in our local Hospice. I had some sort of infection and prayed to God, and asked Him to take me home . “ Nothing is impossible for God “, I prayed and in record time arrangements were made and funding was obtained to allow my unlikely return. Just the thought if it made my heart flutter with joy and my eyes danced with renewed light. Never underestimate the powerful effects of faith and hope. I was in an uncomfortable hydraulic hospital bed that heaved and wheezed with every breath like some of my fellow patients. I was brought low and fought back tears every time I prayed or anyone prayed with me. The Doctors had gathered my family: my wife, my son and daughter and told them to expect the worst: I was close to death. As a Christian, I do not fear death but the process of dying is no easy matter. I pray for courage to face it knowing that I do not face it alone. An army mobilised in prayer on my behalf. I am grateful to you all. My eternal salvation is assured but i have no such assurance that I will not suffer. In fact , in 1Peter 5;10 we read: ‘10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.’ I am comforted that Jesus has been there first and in Hebrews 2:10 it says so: 10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. Jesus, The ‘pioneer’ of my promised salvation has gone before me to prepare the way. In Isiah 43:2 it says that He will be with me all the way: ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.’ Who can describe death? Practicalities forbid an accurate witness account as i live on. A week ago today, I returned home and my eyes were relit with the flame of hope. There really is no place like home. During a visit from the Hospice at home team- so taken aback were they by my apparent recovery- I was referred to as ‘the resurrection man.’ “i am not the resurrection man” I shot back: “But I do know THE resurrection man”, Pleased with the opportunity to say so. Death is not a journey that I would want to face alone, without the hope and promises of Jesus. In James 1;12 A blessing is promised: ‘12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.’ I pray for that perseverance. It’s not easy to face the restrictions of movement and the mental battles that go with terminal cancer. My bone marrow is not functioning and there is a certain inevitability surrounding my prognosis. I do have Jesus and could not wish for anyone better fighting my corner. As with king David’s psalm 18:6 , I can say ‘ In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.’ The debate around ‘assisted suicide’ is hearing up and speaking as someone to whom it is relevant , I am vehemently against this legislation which is open to all kinds of abuses and significantly changes the relationship between government and citizens, the National Health Service and patients. I implore the decision makers to scrap the idea. I was dying in a hospice and now I’m living again at home. I can with the help of a frame make my way to the spare room and look upon my garden. There are a surprising amount of butterflies and insects flying about for the time of year. Next week, I hope to try a wheelchair. I hope that I will be able to say the same as Saint Paul, who at the end of his life said: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 ‘7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.’ I must practice, watch and pray.
A Dying Wish
Jim. So pleased you are home! Amazing for you all to go into extra time together. You write beautifully. I cannot imagine facing death without knowing Jesus will be there to hold my hand.
Massive love to you and Michelle xx
I am so chuffed you are home Jim. Your faith and courage are an example to us all. My thoughts are with you more often than you know. I am sending my love and best wishes to you and Michelle.
God bless you Jimbo, so chuffed you’re home where you belong . Your strength is amazing and a real inspiration to us all . Take care my friend, love and special prayers to Michelle, family and friends xx
Russ
As ever Jim, extremely inspirational. Stay strong x
So glad you are at home. Love and rest.
Inspirational and sending hugs, admiration , love and more hugs to all xx
❤️❤️
Beautiful Jim ! Love to all of you ❤️ x
I am not religious, but what you write is calming, inspirational and uplifting.
????love to you and Michelle xx
Love to you and Michelle ????xx
Thank you Jim for such a testimony. You have fought the good fight and your faith has shone through to so many Christian and non-Christian alike. As the Psalmist says ‘all our days are in God’s hands’.
Thinking of you, Michelle and your children. Love always xx
What a beautiful piece of writing Jim !!
It was so lovely to see you home , to catch up with Michelle,Ems and Josh it had been far to long !!
To see you smiling and you showing off your best PJ bottoms ????
I will come and see you again soon
Sending much love to you all ❤️
Love you all. Beautiful empowering writing Jim. Your spirit just keeps on giving xxx
Jim you melt my heart,
I admire you so much.
Sending love to you Michelle and family xxx
So pleased you are home Jim, thanks for all you have given to everyone else, hope, strength and courage in the face of adversity! You truly are an amazing person. Kia kaha my friend, love to you and all the family ❤️❤️❤️
Love to you all xx
My thoughts and prayers are with you Jim, and your family at this time – how the power of prayer has given you extra time together! ???????? God bless,
Penny
Love you buddy
Jim, you are inspirational and moving in your words. I salute you at this time and may God bless you!
My prayers are ongoing for you all. I’m so glad you’re home with your family Jim. Your testimony to Our Lord & Saviour is the work you were meant for He continues to work through you reaching out to others. God Bless
Love to Michelle & all your family
❤️????????️????
Thank you so much, Irene.
much love to you xx
Jim and Michelle x
Jim. We’re really pleased to see you fighting on and to know that as well as your family you have your faith to accompany you. Best wishes to you all. Ken and Lucy
Amazing Jim unbelievably inspiring and I’m in awe of your courage ❤️❤️keep fighting buddy ????????
You are an inspiration Jim. I still have the pebble you gave our little group to remind us to use our talents wisely. It’s something you have done brilliantly with your writing.
Love you and Michelle dearly ❤️ xx
There is no other place than at home with family, I’m really happy you have got your wish. Sending our love to you all x
Happy for you to be home Jim. Think of you daily. If a prayer helps, you’ve got it.
No words my friend – sending love & thoughts to you all xx