My Only Regret!!!

But I don’t want to dwell on her death in this blog. Instead, I wish to share briefly about my visit with her a few weeks back. As I mentioned in the previous blog, I dreaded going to see her in this condition. After all, what does one say to a dying friend? Nevertheless, I flew there to see her and was determined to do so no matter what condition she was in. 

To my pleasant surprise, I was greeted by her huge smile. As I shared with her over the next couple of hours, I was amazed by how positive she was. In fact, it did not seem as if she was terminal. When I asked her if she was ready, she responded affirmatively. She told me that she had made all things right with the Lord and was ready to go if that was the Lord's will. 

She mentioned that she only had one regret. When she said this, I began to imagine what regret she could possibly have. Maybe she wished to spend more time with her family, or maybe she missed out on some fancy vacation spot. Did she wish for a higher educational degree? What about a bigger house, nicer car or a more luxurious life? "What could it be?" I thought. 

No, it wasn't any of those. The answer might surprise you—it did me. She said, "Pastor, my only regret is that after so many years, I don’t know how to study the Bible." What? She’s on her deathbed and what she's concerned about is not knowing how to study! Unbelievable! I shared with her a few pointers, then it was time to leave. It would be the last time I'd see her alive. 

As I reflect on her last statement, I'm reminded of King Solomon, who in the book of Ecclesiastes, claimed that all is vanity. Solomon concluded the book by saying, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all." (Ezekiel 12:13) After 51 years of life, she wasn't worried about all the things this world had to offer. Her eternal destiny was her concern. Everything else paled in comparison to her desire to study the Word of God. 

My friend realized that it is in the Word that one finds power, comfort and peace. In her last days, she clung to the Bible with all her might. What a blessing! And what a powerful sermon by example she preached. 

This life is finite. We never know what the next second holds. Are your ready for Jesus to come? If not, I commend to you the Word of God. If it can bring peace to a dying woman, it can surely bring peace to us.