Did she really see God's angels?

It was not a typical Florida morning. The skies were ominous, the wind howled, and rain pelted against the windows like tiny drummers heralding an impending storm. The forecast predicted a tropical storm, and the air felt heavy with tension. Common sense told us to stay inside, but my wife and I, as volunteers with Canines for Christ Therapy Dog Ministry, felt an unmistakable urging in our spirits. Our therapy dog, Gracie, was scheduled to visit the hospice unit at the VA hospital. The patients there, especially those facing their final days, cherished our visits, and we weren’t about to let the storm deter us.

During the unusually quiet drive, the words of Isaiah 41:10 whispered comfort:"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

When we arrived, the usually bustling VA parking lot was eerily empty, with only the howling winds and torrential rain as companions. We dashed through the storm into the hospital and made our way to the hospice unit. There, a nurse hurriedly approached us, her face lined with urgency and sorrow.

"Please," she said, "there’s a patient who only has moments left. Would you and Gracie pray with his family?"

In the dimly lit room, a 45-year-old man lay motionless, his breaths shallow and labored. His parents, grief-stricken, stood near the bed. A doctor and nurse observed solemnly. The scene was steeped in silence, heavy with the weight of impending loss.

Gracie, our beautiful white English Labrador, usually greeted people with her wagging tail and gentle eyes. But this time was different. She moved deliberately to the bedside, where the man’s hand lay limp. As if led by an unseen hand, Gracie rested her head gently on his hand and let out a deep, soulful groan.

In that sacred moment, the man took his final breath. Tears filled the eyes of everyone present, but they weren’t tears of despair—they were tears of awe.

I was reminded of the words of Jesus in Luke 16:22:"The time came when the beggar died, and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side."

I turned to the grieving parents and spoke gently. “Your son has been carried by God’s angels into His presence. Gracie sensed something we could not see—she saw the angels surrounding his bed.”

Their tears turned to quiet joy as they clung to the hope found in Christ. Psalm 34:7 came alive in that room:"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them."

Scripture teaches us that angels are ministering spirits sent by God to comfort and carry His children home. In Hebrews 1:14, we’re reminded:"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"

Gracie’s unique sensitivity—her ability to sense what we could not—was a reminder of the mysterious and miraculous ways God uses all His creation for His glory. Romans 8:19 says:"For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed."

As the storm outside raged, a deep peace settled in that room. It was a holy stillness, a moment of heaven touching earth. I prayed with the family, thanking God for His mercy and the promise of eternal life.

"For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." (2 Corinthians 5:1)

Gracie’s groan, her deliberate movement to the man’s bedside, was a divine reminder of God’s faithfulness. As believers, we can trust that He will never leave us or forsake us, even in death. And when our time comes, His angels will escort us into His glorious presence, where we will dwell forever in the light of His love.

Reflection and Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your angels who minister to us in our greatest need. Thank You for the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ and the assurance that we will never face death alone. May we live with the confidence that Your love and grace carry us into Your presence. Amen.

Call to Action:Take a moment today to reflect on the promises of God’s Word regarding eternal life and His angels' role in ministering to us. Share this hope with someone who may be facing fear or uncertainty, and remind them of God’s unfailing love.