To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling…so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thess. 1:11-12).

Entering the yellow-tiled hospital room, I had no idea how powerful my dying friend’s ministry would be to me. When I entered, his wife left the room briefly so that he would not be troubled by her tears.

My friend still knew why his wife had exited. So, he said to me with a gentle whisper, “Please help my family not to hurt too much. I will see Jesus soon, but all of you will have to wait. I feel sorry for you! I just pray that I can glorify the Lord through this.”

In his dying care, my friend showed me much of the beauty of eternal life with Jesus. As though he was opening a treasure chest to reveal its jewels, my friend’s words showed me the gems of Christ’s promises: life beyond disease, hope beyond tragedy, presence with Jesus forever, and opportunity to bring our Savior glory in every breath of life he grants.

I marveled at my friend’s faith – and pray for the same. He ached for his family, but he also wanted his life – even in his dying – to reveal Jesus’ treasures to them. May God so use all of us to glorify him who loved us enough to give his own Son to die for us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving your own Son on the cross for me. Help me to glorify him in every breath you grant so that his treasures are shared by my loved ones and many more!