As I've been lamenting the life of my friend Jenny I can still see her sweet smile. Her heart was full of joy and radiated God's glory. She always shared it with others. She had the gift of encouragement and was an incredible encourager to me and many others.
I remember when she was diagnosed several years ago and the doctors gave poor prognosis. Jenny confidently proclaimed that God would heal her body of Type IIIB Small Cell Carcinoma and he did. Late 2008 there was no evidence of cancer. She gave God the glory for her healing. When the cancer came back she still had the joy and steadfast faith in Christ. I Peter 5:10 says, "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." Now, her body is completely healed and new.
Praise God she no longer suffers and has received her crown. She told me once in an email that she was looking forward to putting on her crown in the mirror each morning as she proclaimed her role as the crown of creation created by God himself.
There is a song that says 'sometimes living takes the life out of you....life is hard but God is good'. Jenny truly lived her life to the fullest. Ephesians 5:15-17 says "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. I believe Jenny lived her life to the fullest by making the most of every opportunity. It has also caused me to reflect on my own life. Have I chosen today to make the most of every opportunity? Have I left a legacy that points back to the cross? Will I hear "well done good and faithful servant" Matthew 25:21?
Barbara, Brandon and Jonathon have the peace of knowing they will see Jenny again but I ask that you pray that God would shower them with "the peace that surpasses all understanding". In Isaiah 41:10 it says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. As Jenny is at Jesus' feet wearing her crown of life I know that God is upholding Barbara, Brandon and Jonathon with his righteous right hand.
Jenny's life will be celebrated on Saturday--the day before we celebrate our Savior's resurrection. She now celebrates her resurrection with Him. Don't miss out on the opportunity that God gives you each day to reflect His glory.
