I Know Theresa

When a loved one passes from this life, everyone in stone’s throw of them silently measures themselves anew. Measures their faith. I know I do, at least.

Death is the biggest test we have. Death asks the question, “Do I really BELIEVE all this stuff I’ve been saying? Or is it just… Do I?” There are other tests. Marriage. Births. Even job changes.

But the grave is the final arbiter, for on the other side of the grave lies either…fulfillment of promise…or nothing. For those of us who DO believe…it cannot be anything BUT fulfillment.


1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The Apostle Paul faced his imminent death with almost glee, knowing what was waiting. He’d actually been privileged to SEE the other side of the grave, more than once. So it really wasn’t even faith for him. He KNEW.

So did Peter…


2Pe 1:12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
2Pe 1:13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;
2Pe 1:14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shown me.
2Pe 1:15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
2Pe 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

My anonymous message-board-Razorback friend ‘Farmer Hoggett’ (also known as Brian) lost his beloved Theresa this week. Through her sudden illness, everything in his Christian witness to us was about his faith. I mention that, not to build up Brian…that’s God’s job… but so that we may be edified by Brian and Theresa’s faith.

Because I know Theresa. Though I’ve never met her or spoken to her, I know her through her husband’s testimony. For she was the longtime wife and companion of someone who spoke of faith… during pain. Faith… in the Test.

She had to have been faithful herself, for them both to have reached this place.

I have known other faithful who’ve faced this test and in exactly the same fashion. I hope all of you have known such people. I hope you ARE such people.

Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4, to comfort those who grieve with a constant reminder of our hope. We are instructed, commanded…to remember that God does not measure life by flesh. God measures life by…Himself. And He is waiting to catch those of us who lose our flesh.

But Brian testified that to US. Which tells me Theresa had that strength too.

I look forward to shaking her hand.