Martha: Transferred to Heaven

I wrote this on Thursday evening. That afternoon, my sister-in- law, Martha, left behind her pain, took Jesus’ hand and entered her new home with Him. Yes, we will miss her but we know she will not suffer up there.

She recently had surgery to improve her ability to walk. She was recovering well. Jim, my husband, thought she would be able to have a more active life. One of our nieces told us Martha was so thrilled to be able to go to Wal-Mart and walk around rather than using a motorized scooter.

A few days ago, I wrote a long prayer to God telling him what he already knew about her condition. The last paragraph stated what I will always believe about these past eleven days.



Dear Father God:

I don’t know what awaits us in this situation but You do. I ask your guidance as we walk this path. We trust You for all things. We will give You the praise for the outcome. We only want what’s best for Martha.

In the name of Jesus, I pray. AMEN



In my reading this week, I read about Jehovah-Rophe, God who heals. (Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler).

I found this passage most helpful: “Physical healing is a temporary remedy for mortal bodies. Ultimately, God’s healing work on this earth points to the healing all of us will receive in Heaven, where there will be no such thing as birth defects, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, AIDS, strokes, depression, diabetes, leukemia, hemophilia, or the common cold.”

One of my Sunday School teachers once told our class that divine healing, being taken home with God, was the best healing, a complete healing.

God heard our prayers. We only wanted what was best for her. As people hear of Martha’s going home, they will experience the loss we feel.

Shortly after we realized that we would lose her, Jim and I thought of an incident in her life that was truly Martha. I’m sure there are as many cute stories about her as she had friends.

I thank you for reading about our loved one and my humble thoughts about her home going.