Sister Jobje Continually Trusts in Her Lord Jesus

Hank Unplugged: Essential Christian Conversations

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, offers an update on his sister Jobje, who is battling pancreatic cancer—and undergoing an astonishing 40th cycle of chemotherapy. She writes that she is sustained and blessed by God’s ongoing grace. In her recent letter she mentions meeting with the palliative care oncologist, engaging end of life and quality of life questions. She says discussing these quality of life questions makes her uncomfortable. “How do you define ‘quality of life’ as a Christian?” she writes. “My faith rests squarely in a sovereign God and a loving Heavenly Father who knows my end of life date. I told the palliative care doctor of my faith and my perspective as a Christian; that I am not trying to be a hero, but simply as His child wanting to trust my Lord. I am fully aware this doctor wants to help to prepare me and ease me through the more difficult days yet to come. I appreciate that a lot. I also realize that I am learning from him in those visits as well. Before we left, he told us he is ‘always refreshed by our visits.’ I told him I continue to pray for him because his role is difficult, trying to help people cope, and to prepare to die, is emotionally exhausting and painfully difficult to witness. As we left his office I saw tears well up in his eyes.” Reflecting on verses from Psalm 119—“words that strike a chord,” she explains, “I have been rereading them, enjoying their comfort. ‘Thy hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn Thy commandments. Those who fear Thee shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in Thy word. I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are right, and that in faithfulness Thou hast afflicted me. Let Thy steadfast love be ready to comfort me, according to Thy promise to Thy servant. Let Thy mercy come to me, that I MAY LIVE! For Thy law is my delight!’ How precious are these words to me in this very difficult exhausting journey as I now have to live life in two week increments! Nonetheless I am continually being blessed in this experience, and learning so much from my Savior as I walk toward Jerusalem, my final destination.” Jobje concludes her letter with these now familiar words, “I look forward to that day! Jobje 🦋”