I have often considered the decisions of either praying for someone to be healed or to pray for God’s will. I’m sure I’m not alone in this world over these two directions we should consider for someone who requests we pray for them in what comes to an end-of-life situation.

Several years ago I was called to a friends home that was dying from cancer. On the way over I didn’t know what I was to say. I spoke with his wife when I got there about the dire nature of the situation. Her husband was in an in-home hospital bed in the living room area. His wife told me he was wanting to wait on dying until his step-son came home. He was enroute from Japan. He was in the Navy at the time.

I sat down next to his bed. He was quiet. I sensed death hovering over him. His end was near. I admired his desire to see his step-son one last time. I had a decision to make. Live or die. How should I pray? I could not depend on my own decision to be the final say in the matter, so first and foremost I prayed to God for His mind in the matter before proceeding. In moments like these I have to listen, hear and follow His direction. Then the answer came. God spoke to me to tell him it is okay to go. There was no dishonor in death. Everyone concerned would understand. So I leaned over to his ear and whispered “If you have to go it will be okay”. I also noted I knew he was tired of fighting and the balance between staying and going was weighing on him. So I repeated that it was okay to go if he felt to do so.

He died during the night many hours before his step-son got in. I know it’s human nature to want this type of situation to end with his step-son finally arriving and seeing his dad before death took him. But that is the crux of the matter. What God’s will is overrides our thoughts and wishes. This thought can present an emotional response, but we must remain faithful to God’s thoughts of what is best. He works all things together for those who love Him.