"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NAS)
As a former critical care nurse, I have watched many "untimely" deaths. I have watched parents bury their children and young women die of breast cancer. Eventually, I moved to surgery thinking that less was likely to happen in that department. But, bad things still happened to good people. I have held the hands of many lonely elderly women and men as we watched their loved ones take their last breath. It has always been hard for me to understand why God chooses some to heal and others not.
I have this dear sister in Christ whom I met through the blog world. Her story is captivating, but it is her heart that is truly so beautiful. I feel honored to have watched her spiritual journey from afar. You see, Jess is only 30. A few years ago she met the man of her dreams. His name was Isaac. She was a beautiful bride with an even more beautiful smile. But shortly thereafter, the man who she was supposed to be with for forever passed away. His young body filled with cancer.
Her testimony is one of the most touching stories I have heard in a long time. It is a story of a woman who did not have a fairy tale ending...but, continues to find joy in God's promises for her future. I introduce to you, Jessica:
The name Isaac means "he will laugh". How beautiful to think that He is with Jesus, no longer hurting, and laughing...filled with more joy than we can ever know on Earth. I love that although Jessica has experienced one of the worst tragedies, she held to the promise that God would help her find joy again...moments at a time. And even when she watched her husband leave her a widow at such a young age, she still believed that God was good.
I know many friends who are experiencing grief right now. May Jessica's story be one that encourages you and reminds you that God mends the brokenhearted.
"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. For you will go out with joy And be led forth with peace..."
Isaiah 55:10-12 (NAS)
Oh my! You wrote about this so beautifully - THANK YOU! And did you know Isaiah 55:8-9 were Isaac's life verses? I love verses 10-12 as a continuation of his story!
ReplyDeleteNo thanks necessary! Thank YOU for sharing such beauty with us all! And yes, I knew those verses were very important to him. It only seemed appropriate to honor him (and you) in that way. It made me think of his cardboard testimony : one side-Cancer stinks, other side-God is good. I will always remember you telling that story.
DeleteOh wow, I have no words..this is just beautiful..thank you ladies SO much for sharing this powerful testimony. And Jessica, I am so sorry for your loss. I read/listened to this through tear-soaked eyes. You are such a shining light! Know that you will be in my prayers.
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