My mother in-law who loved the Lord died at the age of 54 to cancer.
There have been many times in my life when God has grown me through a trial, but first in my memory is when my mother in-law, who was battling cancer, was hospitalized for the last time. One day in particular changed my life forever. I had gone to see her early in the morning, but she was not responsive. I remember crying uncontrollably and pleading with God to let her live. Later that day, I went back to see her knowing my wife Denise and her siblings were by her side. As I started to walk in her room, I made a U-turn to head to my car. While walking to my car, I accidently ran into a guy at the elevator. We both asked if the other was okay and then went our separate ways. I remember staring at this man for a few seconds. As I was sitting in my car, I knew I had to head back to her room. As I entered the room, she was speaking softly to a man who had his back towards me. It was the same man I bumped into at the elevator; it was her pastor. She said to him, “This is my son Jeffrey who we’ve been praying for.” Before I knew it, she grabbed my hand and they prayed for me. Her pastor and I talked for quite some time that night. Two days later she passed away.
The reality of her not being around anymore hit home. The very first book she had me read was the Book of Job and especially the verse “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the Lord.” She shared this verse because I would always ask her how she could serve and love a God who keeps allowing trials to come her way. It was out of this time/trial in my life that I came to the Lord. And her pastor? He is one of my closest friends to this day and has been a mentor to me for over two decades. Though we all miss her daily, the blessings we received and continue to receive cannot be described. I often wish she were here right now, but I know she is with our Lord and for that I have great joy and I rejoice!
Pastor Jeff Tritt