Face to Face

On Saturday morning I received the following e-mail from Norma Dorey concerning her husband Gordon who is battling cancer. Gordon has been a faithful servant of the Lord for many years, a pastor who has truly cared for people and shepherded his flock with integrity.

God has certainly poured out His grace on Gord's wife Norma for her to able to write this update on her dear husband.

Norma wrote:

"Thanks for remembering us in prayer during these days of Gord's illness. It would appear that very soon he will be with Jesus. It's hard to think of being without him but I don't want him to suffer unduly. Last Tuesday we went to the hospital for another bone marrow biopsy to see if the cancer had spread. He was so weak I had to get help to get there and after the test they admitted him (Oshawa General Hospital). He's still getting dialysis 3 times a week while in hospital. Yesterday the oncologist told us the cancer has now spread to the blood and the only treatment available is a very aggressive type that would make him very ill and possibly shorten his life due to weakness. He feels he may have 2 weeks. In a miraculous way the Lord has arranged for him to have a private room which enables us to read, share and pray. He knows he can't get better and is ready to meet the Lord. In fact he was asking the Lord to take him last night. He's in His hands and it's His timing. He's been a wonderful husband, father, grandpa and mentor and encourager to many. We love him dearly. Thanks for praying! Love in Jesus, Norma"

After receiving Norma's update, I called to see if I could go to Oshawa to visit Gordon. Norma agreed and I drove to the hospital for perhaps a final "goodbye".

Gordon certainly didn't look well (physically) but there was a holy glow about him when he repeatedly said, "I want to see Him face to face" and "it's been worth it all".

As I drove home I thanked God for the assurance we as believers have that there's a better life beyond this veil of tears where we will see Jesus "face to face". Gordon is anxiously looking forward to that wonderful moment when he will gaze upon the King of Glory. What a blessed assurance!

What about you? Are you ready to meet the Lord should He call you "home" today? Gord Dorey is ready.

Gord can say, as the apostle Paul declared, "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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." - 2 Timothy 4: 6-8