Only Jesus knows the last moment we face on this side of the veil. His mercy invites each one even at that last moment we don't see. Your prayers for your friend were not in vain. Not one prayer was unheard. My brother faced the Lord last December with me by his side. I know in that moment Jesus stood before him and gave him a chance to say 'Yes.' This is the Father's heart. He is just, but he seeks that all come to him.... Trust the Father.
This brought tears to my eyes and I believe you are absolutely right. Back in 2004 my Dad, who never professed to believe in God, suffered an aortic aneurysm and was in hospital on life support as we all gathered at his bedside. My Dad never “darkened the door of a church”, as he used to say, (except for my wedding) but he was faithful about seeing us to church if we wanted to go. All 3 of his children know the Lord, and all 3 of us felt strongly that night that as he lay there on life support - in those final moments - he and Jesus were having a conversation. I’m certain I will see my Dad in Heaven because you are right - this is the Father’s heart. Scripture tells us it is not His desire that ANY should perish. My Dad would’ve maybe felt he didn’t deserve mercy, but he would not have rejected it. I believe Jesus always stands at the door, knocking - even in that last moment of our earthly life.
Only Jesus knows the last moment we face on this side of the veil. His mercy invites each one even at that last moment we don't see. Your prayers for your friend were not in vain. Not one prayer was unheard. My brother faced the Lord last December with me by his side. I know in that moment Jesus stood before him and gave him a chance to say 'Yes.' This is the Father's heart. He is just, but he seeks that all come to him.... Trust the Father.
This brought tears to my eyes and I believe you are absolutely right. Back in 2004 my Dad, who never professed to believe in God, suffered an aortic aneurysm and was in hospital on life support as we all gathered at his bedside. My Dad never “darkened the door of a church”, as he used to say, (except for my wedding) but he was faithful about seeing us to church if we wanted to go. All 3 of his children know the Lord, and all 3 of us felt strongly that night that as he lay there on life support - in those final moments - he and Jesus were having a conversation. I’m certain I will see my Dad in Heaven because you are right - this is the Father’s heart. Scripture tells us it is not His desire that ANY should perish. My Dad would’ve maybe felt he didn’t deserve mercy, but he would not have rejected it. I believe Jesus always stands at the door, knocking - even in that last moment of our earthly life.