He had two more days to live.

But he didn’t know that. None of us did.

As I walked past my brother’s room on my way to bed, I glanced in to check on him. At this point he was in a hospital bed. Having been diagnosed with cancer several months earlier, it seemed that the time was drawing near.

When I looked in his room, He was rolled onto his side, toward the window with closed blinds. He had a lamp on, and I could tell he was reading something. I knew what it was. I didn’t know the name of it, but I knew.

He had always been an avid reader. In fact, I remember him reading the encyclopedia for entertainment when we were teenagers!

As the years passed and he became increasingly committed to his faith in God, he spent a lot of time reading the Bible, books of prayers, and other writings to get to know his Savior, Jesus.

So when I saw him reading in bed, I knew it was something spiritual. During the weeks and months we spent together during his journey, Mike, his wife, Mary, and I spoke often about God and His plans. Mike was completely surrendered to Him and was ready to meet his Savior face-to-face.

He and Mary had planned his memorial service, and Mike had chosen the music. One song was, “Just a Closer Walk With Thee.” As his friend sang it during the service, I listened carefully to the words of the familiar tune.

“I am weak but Thou art strong; Jesus, keep me from all wrong; I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea.
Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.”

I wept as I listened because I knew that was ALL Mike wanted in his life. The most important thing to him was following Jesus.

God, may I desire what my brother had — A closer walk with you.

“When my feeble life is o’er, Time for me will be no more; Guide me gently, safely o’er To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.”