I went to bed and got to thinking about this situation ... then an idea came to me and feel compelled to share it lest I forget. It may help me sleep if I do it now instead of waiting until morning!
I hope, Greg, you will share these insights I gave in my previous post and well as this one with this family.
I understand Brent has children. If the LORD chooses to call him home, it will mean they will be fatherless...If he loves his children it will require a divine enablement to let go of them so he can leave (die). I saw this happen to our daughter, Regina. It was hard for me to see her let go emotionally of her children, but it had to be done in order for her to accept her own passing.
If death seems to be closing in on him - unless the LORD intervenes otherwise, he can do a lot to ease the grief of his loved ones. This is the matter I want to address.
Number 1: talk about it with his wife, children and family. Be open and frank. Say your good-byes, express your love and appreciation. And if the LORD heals you and you don't die after-all, there is no harm done, but it will be an act that can draw people together.
Number 2: Make a recording for each one of the children, keeping in mind their weaknesses and strengths. Share with them what you expect they will face in the future and how you would advise them in any potential situation.
I have talked to people who were faced with terminal illness in a child and some will choose to deny its reality - they were angry at God. Anger is a part of the grieving process BUT you do not stay there.You will have to accept it as a part of the cycle of life and death. (Actually, it is a result of the curse of sin you are dealing with.)When you refuse to deal with it before the loved one dies you are setting yourself up for severe grief and it is NOT necessary! (If the LORD is going to remove a loved one from your home, consider terminal illness a blessing!) The WORD says to cast ALL of your cares upon Him for he cares for you. So do it! If you do that, the comfort God gives will far surpass any you will get anywhere else! I promise!
When I was told Regina was terminally ill I cried hard for two days until I had a confrontation with the LORD about it. He gave me peace and then I knew if she would die He will be there to help me deal with it. And he did. Not only then but in months afterwards. After she died I was so frightened for my own well-being that I stayed so close to the LORD - I did not want to miss any of my quiet time alone with him each and every day. This was precious. I promise!
It is OK to cry..that is one reason God gave a body tear ducts. So use them, but do not allow bitterness to envelope your soul.
God bless!
