Chris’s Last Words
October 21, 2009
by Chris Restuccia
My heart is overflowing with gratitude. Thank you for all the love, and tireless prayers. What an honor it is to go before you in telling people about the love of Christ all these years. You have enabled us to do what God called us to do. You have blessed us with your generous financial support and your genuine concern for my health. Thank you!
It has been a long and very painful battle. Sometimes I ask God why He chose me but at the same time I feel special that He singled me out to pour down His love. Through this cancer journey I am able to see the hand of God pressing me down to His chest so I can lay my head and feel His warm embrace. Growing up with no Dad, this has brought healing to my heart- numb from a disappointing past.
Receiving all the love from God and the people around me, I am overwhelmed. Now I see His goodness as bright as the light coming through my window. I feel free to worship… He is my good and loving Father! He is the One I have longed for.
All this time we pleaded God for healing. Friends from all over the world gathered, fasted and prayed for God’s mercy and grace. Even our children hold on to faith as hard as they could to see their Dad get better. But things continued to get worse.
Has God failed us? Maybe so. He fails to make His people feel comfortable. He chooses not to dispose His power to do what we think He should do. But I believe though I see it dimly, the faint outlines of God’s purposes and plans. His ways must be better and His thoughts must be higher than my own! Now I cling on to Romans 8:18, “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Soon I will see His smile, arms open wide and magnificent glory which words are inept to describe.
The thing that hurts the most is to leave my family behind. They have loved and served me, more than I could ever ask. Death is so cruel to crush their hearts. Sorrow has no mercy to tear them down. Please surround them with your love and encouragement and lay your hand on them in prayer. They will not make it without them. I also ask you to continue your financial support. As faithful as you have been to us as a family, may you not stop. Jo’s ministry is as important as mine if not more.
As God calls me home, may I remind you that not all things you strive for are important. May you learn to live for God and the people around you. It is really all that matters. God may not only bring you to green pastures and still waters. Someday He will lead you to the valley of the shadow, where it is dark and cold. It will be my turn to pray for you. May you walk in the confidence of His character. He is good. So long ,my friend; I will see you again. For now, cheer for the Giants, the Yankees and the Seminoles:)!
Chris