Death is certain to impact our lives sooner or later in this life. Everyone will know someone who will die, and everyone will face death in their own life someday. Some of you have been recently impacted by death and others it has been awhile since someone close to you has passed away. Death comes into our lives many ways. Sometimes it comes totally unexpected. Sometimes it comes expected after a long time of suffering or illness. However, and whenever death occurs it is never easy to deal with and it can be overwhelming to consider. I am by no means an expert on death nor do I have all the answers, but I would like to give a few reminders about death so when it occurs in our lives, we can draw from the truths that we have from God's Word about it.
1. Death is not the end.
Most people view death as the end but in reality, death is the beginning. The life spent here on earth is only temporary and the life after earth is eternal. So, we must remember that as wonderful and as great as life is here on the earth it is barely even a fraction of the life to come in eternity. And for those who are Christians their life in eternity will be with God and other believers in Heaven for an eternity fulfilling God's will. No more sin, no more pain, no more death forever and ever. Amen!
2. Death is difficult.
The reality of death is difficult to deal with even if you are a Christian. Many times, the grief is so overwhelming that our lives are literally torn apart. The life that we know and have come to enjoy is suddenly changed and things are not the same. Homes, cars, places to eat and family are forever altered because your loved one is no longer there. Nights of crying and days of despondency and bouts of depression and discouragement are all common results of death. Jesus himself when His friend Lazarus died "wept"! The thing to rest in as a Christian is that we grieve but not without hope! It may take weeks or months but down deep in our soul the hope of Jesus will begin to work its way through our grieving. Some days will be better than others but just take one day at a time and as you grieve do not suppress the hope that will begin to permeate your broken heart.
3. Death is challenging.
Death brings grief but death also brings a challenge. It is the challenge that we know our life will one day come to an end. And to be honest many of us has things that we know we should make right in our lives but have not done it yet and when death impacts our lives it forces us to take a serious look at the condition of our life. Some may have unforgiveness in their heart, some may have a besetting sin, some may not have spent time with their children like they should, and some may just not be right with God! Whatever "it" may be, death brings that to the front of our minds and hearts as we consider that one day, we will breathe our last breath on this earth. So the challenge is what if your last breath was today? Anything that is not right in your soul? We should not put it off but make it right and we should live every day right with God and right with others so there will be no shame when we breathe our last breath on this earth.
Death is not the end! Death is difficult! Death is challenging!
