seeing God through suffering and death

I happened upon Zac Smith's story one day online. I don't even know how I found it. But I did. And I will never forget it.

When I learned of Zac, he had recently found out that he had cancer for the second time at the age of 32. Terminal cancer. It eventually became clear that chemo was no longer effective.

Take a look at more of his story and the perspective he gained:



Through his blog, Zac made it clear that he was frustrated and angry at times - as would be expected. However, the amazing growth, perspective, and strength that God established in him while he worked through those feelings was very inspiring. 

At one point, Zac wrote a series on ways Christians can navigate through suffering. He encouraged people to focus on personal and spiritual growth, ministering to others, and the exciting future God has for you instead of the painful present. He drew from his own experiences to encourage others on a similar path to his own.

The man has some amazing wisdom. Take some time to view a video with some of that wisdom in the form of a letter from his 32-year-old self to his 17-year-old self:



I was struck with both sorrow and joy when I found out recently that Zac passed away last Sunday.

Zac's wife gave amazing perspective in her post on his blog about his passing:

The cancer has lost and Jesus has the victory in all of this. The battle has been won. [...] Death cannot take away what is already His. To God be the glory. Always.

Even though I never knew Zac personally, his attitude and witness have had an impact on me.

Please be praying for his wife, Mandy, and their three kids - Lizzy, Jake, and Luke.


Lord, help me to spend my days on the Earth embracing life and not dreading death. Help me to live an abundant life no matter the circumstances.