I had the opportunity to get to know Jane as her chaplain for the past couple of years or so – and what an amazing and fun woman! Her smile was always big and bright as we would reminisce and sing. She had a calming peace about her. Every time I came to visit – one of the neat things about Jane is she exemplified ‘perfect peace’. She trusted in God completely!
She always had the fruit of the holy Spirit;
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Even when she didn’t feel well, she still had the joy of the Lord. I visited her often and she became a dear friend. Every time I walked in, she would say, ‘my Pastor’s here’.
We would hold hands, laugh, sing, and talk about Jesus and heaven.
One verse that we talked about often was Philippians 4 – and if Jane were here today she would want you to know her secret to being so content and joyful…
Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Jane had that supernatural peace and joy!
Awe, but the rest of the passage in Philippians 4 tells us Jane’s secret to having that peace regardless of the circumstances;
Php 4:11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
And no matter what you are facing in life, if you run to the Lord Jesus, like Jane, He will hold you and help you through all of life’s challenges. In fact, Jesus said;
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
Jane would want you to remember her, and to carry on. To put your faith in Jesus. To live life to the fullest! To laugh hard, love deeply, and keep loving one another.
Jane lived a full life – she was truly blessed with an amazing family & wonderful friends.
You will be missed Jane - but all who put their faith in Jesus will see you again in heaven!
Much love and prayers, Pastor Brett
