He Helped Us Sing

Five years ago this month, I found out that my sister-in-law’s cancer had returned. For the next year and a half she, along with her husband and daughter, walked the path that no one wants to walk but so many are forced to. Through that time, they were beacons of God’s light, attesting to His tender care as He met their needs and provided so many kind mercies. My sister-in-law’s emails consistently pointed to God and to His precious care for her as she took her journey to meet Him. Their testimony will forever be a light and encouragement in the hearts of those that watched them walk through this. But, unless you knew them personally or read what I wrote during that time (you can read that here) or listened to her memorial service (you can listen to that here), you wouldn’t be aware of this. To most, my dear sister-in-law and her battle with cancer were unknown.

A couple of years after she passed away, I reached out to an online pastor friend whom I hadn’t heard from in a long time. Unbeknownst to me, he and his wife were taking the same journey my brother and his wife had taken so shortly before. I asked to be put on their update list and found that their emails, too, attested to God’s constant faithfulness, His sufficient grace, and His kind and abundant mercies as they faced so many trials and tribulations. Their response to this unforeseen, overwhelming trial and their consequent testimony was so similar to that of my brother and sister-in-law. All four of these dear brothers and sisters in Christ were so encouraging and inspiring at a time when it would have seemed impossible. Only God could provide the strength and sufficient grace to walk this path.

In the book, the author shares the emails he sent, along with other details and insight that he could look back on and add. It is a source of great encouragement, not only to those walking through deep waters, but also to those who may be wavering in the faith, wondering if God is really real or if He actually cares about them.

I thought about sharing some quotes from the book but I think I am going to let you discover its wonderful content all on your own. I do not recommend books lightly (as you probably already know) and I whole-heartedly recommend this one. I know that you will be encouraged and strengthened in the Faith as you read. Due to some extenuating circumstances, the author decided, along with his family, to use a pen name and to change all names. In the book, you will meet “Justin and Courtney”. And you will be greatly blessed by them.

The one thing I will share here is a letter that was written by Courtney, shortly after the diagnosis. This will give you an idea of their attitude going into this journey (you can find the letter here)–

Dear Friends and Family, 

By now you know about my cancer. It has happened so fast, but the Lord is with us and encouraging us. I want to ask two favours of you. 

First, this song (“We’re Going Home to Glory Soon”) got real. Please, listen to it, it is short: https://www .youtube.com/watch?v=xL7rDeNYwDY. I so want to see you over there. 

Second, can you join us, sometime this Sunday, in singing “Because He Lives”? If you don’t know it, you can play this and sing along: https://www .youtube.com/watch?v=Sm2wLKZoGPY. I know people around the world are receiving this, and it would be an encouragement to know that we are singing it together, because it answers everything. 

It hurts me when people blame God and say He hasn’t been fair. I know people mean well and say it out of love and affection. But please don’t say that, even to yourself. The song answers it. 

I don’t want people who care about me to be angry with God on my behalf. I love Him for everything He has done for me, and I want you to love Him, too. 

What is fair? If God were fair, He wouldn’t have sent Jesus to die, and rise again for me. If God were fair, I’d have “crossed that river” long ago, and I would be in Hell. 

But God did send His Son for a sinner like me, and He “bled and died to buy my pardon.” Now He lives and I will, too. I will be with Jesus who loves me so much, in Glory. I’m ok, I’m better than ok. 

I want to be honest with you. I’m afraid of “life’s final war with pain.” But it doesn’t matter if I’m a coward, the lights of Glory will still be there. They are there for me, not because of any good in me, but because He lives. Death will give way to victory, and I’m not going to lose that even if I’m afraid of the pain. Jesus guaranteed my victory. He lives, and so will I. 

Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

John 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 

Do you believe that? I’m asking you if you do, but do you see that verse? Jesus asked it first. We believe it. That is what we count on. You can believe it, and if you do, we will see you over there. Please contact Justin if you need help in understanding. 

It appears I may not see many of you again unless it is “over there.” That only has to be sad if you aren’t going there. Please, come join us. 

Love, Courtney

Throughout their journey, they both kept this same attitude. Through the hard times, through the impossibly difficult, through the painful and sorrowful moments. Justin does not sugarcoat what they suffered. And, yet, through it all, is the thread of God’s peace and strength. He gave them what they needed to endure. He helped them to sing!

You can purchase the book here (least expensive option) or you can also purchase on Amazon here. You can find out more about the book here. I know that if you purchase the book, you will be blessed by it. No matter where you find yourself in your walk with God today, this book will deepen and strengthen your faith. It will help prepare you for that day when you or someone you love walks through that dark valley of the shadow of death.

I will conclude with Justin’s own words on the website–

I wish I could cure glioblastoma and this world’s other heart-wrenching ills. I can’t even offer the peace we had— it’s not mine to give. Perhaps, though, this book may help draw you a step closer to the God who fills hearts with peace beyond human understanding. There is no One better to have with you when your world turns upside down. He can help you sing too.

Oh, that we, too, may find out along with Justin and Courtney and Dean and Grace, that God will provide His all-sufficient grace, His abundant mercies, and His peace that surpasses understanding…exactly when we need it. He will help us sing, too!