“She doesn’t have much time.” These were the words I heard from a friend when she asked me to go and anoint and pray for her sister who was dying. This was a first for me – I have never prayed for someone who didn’t have much time left to live. I knew God was calling me to do this and I could not refuse Him.
I remembered this promise I once made: “I am counting on Christ and Christ is counting on me.” I knew I had to be obedient.
So many thoughts crossed my mind: “What do I say?” “What do I do?” I wasn’t sure where to begin. I made arragements with two friends from my Life Group (Bible Study) to go with as extra support. They reminded me to take my Bible and oil as we set off to the hospital. I had no time to prepare and was just trusting God to lead me.
We arrived outside of visiting hours and was refused entry. We pleaded: “This is really important, she doesn’t have much time to live and we need to pray with her and to anoint her with oil.” The sister agreed but asked us to be quick.
On arriving at her bedside she looked so tiny and frail. I took her hand and held it gently in mine. This was a reminder of how short life can be andhow one can’t leave this earth without knowing the love of Christ.
I prayed by myself:”lord, please help to say and do the right thing!”
We introduced ourself with gentleness as not to intimidate her or to make her feel uncomfortable or fearful. We told her the purpose of our visit was to pray with her and to anoint her. She gladly responded that it was ok with her.
I read the following scripture – Psalm 91: 4&5: ”he will cover you with His feathers, and under His wing you will find refuge, in His faithfulness He will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.” I then anointed her with oil and prayed for her. I placed a kiss on her forehead and we said goodbye. It felt like it was so short and sweet but was it enough?
I received a message from my friend the next day, thanking us for what we did. Her sister told her that she had never in her life felt so much love. I knew then that it wasn’t me, it was the work of the Lord. Only He could make her feel the real love of Christ. I trusted Him completely.
Christ was counting on me to act and I was counting on Christ to do the work and He did. Sadly she passed on a few days later.
God is so good and faithful, I’m so thankful that I could be an instrument for Him, to enable His will to be done. I am honoured to be a disciple of Christ!
Wendy Wallace