Got Jesus?

Written by Vianne Satterfield

I John 4:15-19 “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete amoung us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.”

A childhood friend, Kent, has been fighting stage four cancer for about a year, with an amazing attitude that clearly points to his reliance upon Jesus Christ as his savior, his healer, his redeemer, his peace and his reason for passionate living.

I reconnected with Kent about a decade ago thanks to social media. He was still the nerdy geeky guy I knew in elementary school, and he had become a pastor, husband, and father among other roles. We kept in contact via Facebook Messenger to share prayer requests about family members, and then when he was diagnosed with cancer he shared his own prayer need. Throughout his treatment process, Kent and his wife handled the “yuck” of cancer with such grace and peace. Each step of the way I observed that Kent was able to be at peace even as he fought the disease. His life reflected God’s love and especially the Scripture above. When Kent could no longer pastor his church, he wrote or voiced devotionals that he posted on social media or in his support group. No matter what he faced, Kent always pointed us to Jesus Christ, because having a real relationship with God through Jesus Christ is what got Kent and his family through each day. Kent lived his testimony of an ongoing, consistent love relationship with Jesus Christ, and his desire for us to love and follow Jesus as well.

Kent’s love for the Lord and for people is evident in how he lives — completely dependent upon God to take care of him. He readily described the reasons for his peace, grace and contentment — he knew and loved God wholeheartedly, and he shared that love with everyone. Kent lives for Christ. His life oozes the love, grace and peace that he experienced through a relationship with Jesus Christ. He has Jesus. Jesus is soon to have him in paradise, as Kent is nearing the end of his earthly life, yet it is only the beginning of eternal life that is promised to those who believe and accept God’s love and acceptance. I am confident I will see my friend again when it is my turn to cross over into heaven.

I thank Kent and Michele for showing us how love works, for reminding us to choose and follow Christ even through suffering and difficult places. Thank you Kent and Michele for your transparency, your testimony and your trust in the Lord that has been on display for us to imitate.

I pray for God’s comfort, peace and strength for us all as Kent completes his earthly journey. Love and blessings to Kent’s family, friends and all who love and care for Kent. To Kent: I will miss your words of encouragement, your humor and your friendship. Til we meet again. . . .