Jim Fisher (1952-2007)

Jim died this morning at 2:30 am. Jamie and I were awake in bed last night and were talking about how God had given us peace and closure in many respects that day, this before he had passed. Jamie was able to spend several minutes with him bedside, praying for him and talking to him. I was able to do the same. I thanked him for letting me marry Jamie. I asked him with his mind and heart to ask Jesus to receive him. We both told him that we loved him. I was driving yesterday in the car and asked God, “What are you doing here? Please let me know, it seems like You have something for Jim, for us, I want to know.” Few times in my life have I thought that God had spoken to me, but it was with remarkable clarity, that the answer was, “Brandon I’ve done so much already, be thankful for what I’ve done.” The reality is God has done huge and amazing things right in front of us. Do I know when, if at all, he came to Jesus? I don’t. I do know that everything was out on the table with Jim. As far as I know, the last two months of his life he entertained more conversation about Jesus than he did the previous 55 years of his life. He kept Jim alive this long when doctor’s said that he should have passed away two months ago. He woke up Connie a few moments before Jim breathed his last, so she could be with him for the few fleeting breaths that God gave him. He lived longer than any doctor predicted. God gave him a daughter who loved him freely.

The Lord brought Jim low physically, spiritually, emotionally – these are the situations when God blesses. When a man who is broken and at his end cries out for restoration is when God renovates men. Did God remake Jim? Not sure. But where is my trust in all of this? Not in a prayer or circumstance or a phrase that Jim said, my confidence is in the Lord and there it will remain. God ordains, He does what pleases Him.

26 This is the purpose that is purposed
concerning the whole earth,
and this is the hand that is stretched out
over all the nations.
27 For the Lord of hosts has purposed,
and who will annul it?
His hand is stretched out,
and who will turn it back?

Isaiah 14:26-27