PrintOur Journey Through The Valley (45)
1 October, 2013
There are some questions that are impossible to answer. Go ahead and Google all you want, the question will linger and defy every effort you make to answer it.
"How long is it going to take for me to die?" Bev and I sat across the table from each other as we, yet again, we're confronted with the reality of our health scenario.
That's why we have called this link - "Our Journey Through the Valley - How one couple is facing life and death in the presence of Motor Neurone Disease". The question that Bev asked me hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks. No husband should have to answer a question like that. Yet I would not deprive her of asking the question. The medical staff won't speculate about a time frame. If they won't then I can't.
But the question is eminently practical and reasonable. If MND is a death sentence that carries no possibility of an appeal or reversal, clemency or pardon, then it's no wonder the original question is asked: "How long before the sentence is carried out?"
In the midst of this intimidation and sense of powerlessness, I found myself turning to another man - in fact, two men - who also had a death sentence over them. The Apostle Paul said,
As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me — the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his glorious return. (2 Tim 4:6-8 NLT)
A few aspects reached my heart as I thought about Paul's circumstances.
a. The time of my death is near - that being so, what was his response?
b. I have fought a good fight - the battle is over
c. I have finished the race - the issue is not "Who won?", the issue is, "Did I finish?"
d. I have remained faithful - I have been true to God's call in my life
Even before our respective diagnoses were delivered, we occasionally found ourselves talking about what we would like to have in our respective funeral service. Bev mostly requested the Bill Gaither song "It Is Finished" which, in part, says:
It is finished, the battle is over,
It is finished, there'll be no more war
It is finished, the end of the conflict
It is finished, and Jesus is Lord!!
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