Finishing Well

At times it is difficult to write, because understanding God's purpose in seeing a friend and her family suffer through the battle of cancer is tough. You pray for healing, but then don't see it come. I learned a valuable life lesson from that friend and her family this week, and that is to finish well and set your hope on things above where you cannot lose.

Finishing Well

(NIV) 2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day---and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

These verses struck deep today as they were read in memory of a good friend's funeral service. Heidi started early running her race to please the Lord with her life. To hear the testimonials to her faith and life and see all of the people she influenced positively for the Lord was refreshing. Heidi battled cancer multiple times and in the process while losing to cancer, she won the important battles of life and attitude. The most important aspect of her battle was she fully understood that she was a child of God, and could trust God with everything valuable in her world. Her husband and children were evidence of that. Heidi equipped herself for the struggle by connecting regularly with God in his Word and prayer. This gave her the strength to keep an outward focus. Even in her last days she mustered the faith to give encouragement to others.

Every story told about Heidi was a testimony to her qualities refined by her love of God and obedience to his Word.

She used her voice to draw people into worshiping God.

(NIV) Psalm 100:1-2
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. [2] Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Her ability to see the best in people.

(NIV) Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Her constant grace under difficulties.

(NIV) Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Heidi exhibited that peace that only comes from knowing Christ has eternal life in store for those who receive him as savior.

Her kindness for all people was clear.

(NIV) 2 Corinthians 2:15
For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

Heidi was called to heaven this week. She finished well. The Lord said "Well done, good and faithful servant" to her. Thank you Heidi for your example. God will use it. You will be missed, but your life and faith will be remembered.

Will you finish well ? Will you examine the powerful love God has for you as an individual, and gain strength to finish well ? Do you know the peace of God as Heidi did ?

Take time to let God pour out his love to you. You are worth it. It will give you the strength and courage to Finish Well as Heidi did.

His servant,


Jeff Dyk