I’ve lived with the verdict of stage 4 lung cancer for a number of weeks. So, I’ve given a lot of thought to living in the shadow of my own mortality.

The Bible says the last enemy to be defeated is death. Until then, we loathe the human side of dying. The idea of a body broken. Needing people to take care of you. 

In your soul, you rake through your past and think: Is there anything I need to settle? Am I truly forgiven in everything? Am I clear in the eyes of others? And, more importantly, am I truly clean in the eyes of the Lord? On that last question, I can assure you the answer is a resounding yes. Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” “Your sins and evil deeds I will remember no more.”  Peace with God!

I’ve always told my sons: You can't live in fear. You are just a humble servant of the Lord. You're just a small part of His kingdom. Play out your role with compassion, courage, and conviction, relying on the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Never doubt God’s love, joy, peace. Never lose your grip on the fact that the best is yet to come.

Until my dying day, my last breath, I will lift up the name of Jesus Christ with a grateful and happy heart. And when my time comes, I want to imitate my Dad, sitting up in bed, arms raised toward heaven, quoting God’s Word, and singing a favorite song of faith. What could be better?

This is Luis Palau.