We know that if the tent that is our earthly home
is destroyed, we have a building from God …
eternal in the heavens.

2 Corinthians 5:1

How little is death dreaded by a believer, since it will bring the soul to the full possession of its hidden life in heaven I is a dark valley that divides between this world and the next, but it is all a region of light and blessedness beyond it. We are now on the border of the eternal world, and we know but little of that invisible I country. Approaching death opens the gates to us, and begins to give I our holy curiosity some secret satisfaction, and yet how we shriek I backward when that glorious unknown city is opening upon us! We are often ready to beg and pray that the gates might be closed again; O! For a little more time, a little longer continuance in this lower visible world!’ This is the language of the fearful. But it is better to have our Christian courage brought up to a divine height, and to say, ‘Open ye everlasting gates, and be lifted up ye everlasting doors, that we may enter into the place where the King of Glory is’. (cf. Psa. 24:9  kjv). There shall we see God and rejoice in his overflowing love. We shall see him face to face, and not through the glass darkly. What supreme glory shall our life display. This is life eternal indeed, and joy unspeakable. How gloriously shall the perfections and honours, both of body and mind unfold themselves. Is this the crown I fought for on earth at so feeble a rate? And was this the prize for which I ran so slow and lazily? O shameful indifference! O undeserved prize and crown! Had I imagined how bright the blessing was which lay hidden in the promise, surely I would have ventured through many deaths to secure the possession of it. O guilty negligence! And criminal unbelief! But your sovereign mercy has pardoned both and made me possessor of this fair inheritance. Behold I bow at your feet forever, and adore your riches of overflowing grace.

Isaac Watts, Works, 1:105-107

Isaac Watts, the theologian, pastor, and hymn writer, struggled with illness throughout his life. I pray that this little quote will help give you perspective in the times of trial that we are facing.

Philip