This morning at 9:15, my uncle Ron breathed his last breath. He had taken a severe turn for the worse last Saturday and was never able to recover. Aunt Chris was by his side when he died in the hospital. He left her side and went directly to Jesus’ side. His final days were filled with peace knowing that he was entering heaven soon, as he had trusted Jesus for his salvation.

While the Bible says that “no man knows when his hour will come” (eccl. 9:12), it is tremendously comforting to know that this day did not take God by surprise. He knew from the beginning of time the number of days Ron would live. He planned this day long before Ron was born to be the day Ron would enter His presence. “Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Psalm 139:16)

Knowing that every moment of Ron’s life was known by God before he was born brings even more meaning to the pictures in the following slideshow.

(Lyrics from I Will Rise)

There’s a peace I’ve come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There’s an anchor for my soul
I can say “It is well”

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There’s a day that’s drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
“Worthy is the Lamb”
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
“Worthy is the Lamb”