The Deacon was stunned as he stared at the doctor.  “Are you sure?” the Deacon asked. 

            “There is no doubt.” The doctor reply, “You have 3 months at the most to live.”

            At home, the Deacon sat with his head in his hands.  He had advised people on how to handle the events of life by telling them to “buck up” and follow the rules.  He was trying to follow his own advice, but for some reason, it didn’t work.

            The Deacon’s wife was very concerned as her husband had begun to lie in bed and refused to communicate.  She was aware of the inflexibility of her husband, and she decided to contact an old friend of the deacon that had been able to get through to him in the past. 

            The Deacon’s friend listened carefully to the dilemma that the Deacon faced.  When the Deacon was finished, he pulled an old chair up beside his bed.  He told the Deacon to picture the Lord sitting in the chair and to pour out everything that was on his mind.  

            As the Deacon poured out his weakness and inability to deal with this problem and laid it on the Lord, he began to feel a new security and peace with God.  He became aware that the Christian life was more than rules, it was a deep friendship with God.  He could not fathom why this mighty Being would forgive and accept him as a son – his appreciation and love grew immensely.

            Finding that the Lord was a true friend to those who trusted in Him, the Deacon realized that his compassion and forgiveness for others also grew.  He began to listen.  His family and friends saw a rather amazing change and actually wanted to be around him.

            His wife began to fall more deeply in love with him, but at times she worried as she would walk quietly into the bedroom and catch him talking to the old chair by his bed.

            On the final day of the Deacon’s life on earth, his family was gathered around him.  The tears were “for real” as they watched his breathing begin to slow.  Just before the Deacon’s last breath, with a great effort, he rolled onto his side and placed his head on that old chair beside his bed.

            Philippians 1:21 – For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity].