Worship through Death

I walked into Lydia’s home, a woman who was dying of cancer, I felt the Lord telling me, “Marcie, prepare yourself.” I began to pray and what happened next was an experience that changed my life.
 
When I saw Lydia, my heart literally felt like it was ripped in half. She was lying on the bed and in an excruciating amount of pain. For 8 months, she was not able to get out of bed and was too weak to be able to sit up. As I looked at her, I began to weep because I personally have experienced the pain that cancer causes to a person. My heart broke for this woman who was suffering and all I could do was pray.
 
I began to pray for healing because I believe God is a healer, but as I prayed I felt a peace in my spirit that healing for her was not going to be earthly healing, but going to heaven. I felt that God was telling me that she was not going to live much longer so I began to just pray for peace and comfort for over her mind, body, heart, and spirit and for her family as well. I prayed that the Father would surround her with His presence and love. I continued to weep and then I looked over at my guitar.
 
I knew the Lord wanted me to play the guitar and lead worship, but I honestly did not think that I would be able to play. I was crying so hard and my body was shaking that I did not think I would physically be able to sing and play. So I prayed and asked God for the strength and He showed up.
 
Singing and praising God while I watched this woman be in unbearable pain was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. Yet I felt in my spirit that we needed to worship because no matter the circumstance, God deserves to be worshipped. Although I may not understand why God allows so much suffering and pain, I choose to praise Him because He is worthy and He is good. I was encouraged when I read these verses in Job after this experience:

So as I played the guitar and we all worshipped God and sang songs in Spanish and English, I felt such a peace come over the room. I knew the Lord was there and I believe that our praises brought comfort to Lydia.
 
I experienced what it truly means to worship through suffering. To praise God through tears, even when it hurts. I believe God allowed me to experience that pain and brokenness so that He could heal me in many areas of my past. I am thankful that God brought us to that house because He broke down walls in my heart and now that I am weak and broken, my Father can fill me up.
 
Later that evening after we visited Lydia, the Father took her home. She is now with Jesus and for that, I am thankful because her body is restored and she is no longer in pain. It was a true honor and privilege to be able to lead worship in Lydia’s home on earth, and now she is able to worship Jesus in heaven.
 
I praise you Abba, for You are worthy of praise even through death.