I’ve been enjoying life for almost 66 years. This may seem like a long time for a 20-year-old, but in my mind, it’s very short. I’ve also seen and suffered from various types of diseases such as flu, pneumonia, colds, diabetes, mono, dementia, mobility, hearing, and eye issues. During this time, I’ve also lost loved ones to accidents, cancers, heart and liver failures. I even lost a friend to murder and know others who have lost loved ones to such crime.
Life is difficult at times.
In recent years, a virus (COVID-19) brought horrible deaths and extreme anxiety to this world, and we feared the horrendous pain, suffering, and loss it caused. Its existence spurred division among family, friends, and countries. Many felt the need to isolate themselves and became afraid to be around others.
For many, hugs and closeness faded into memories as fear of catching or spreading the disease became the new norm. A scratchy throat, the slightest sniffle, sneeze, cough, or faintest fever incited worry and fear. We were told to take precautions, use hand sanitizer, wash our hands, and practice distancing. Some wore masks, while others argued over their effectiveness.
All said, I personally refused to let fear control my life! Instead, I put my trust in God! This does not mean I would not die of the virus someday or lose loved ones to it.
One ICU nurse stated: “It takes who it takes.”
This is true of every ailment and adds perspective. I contracted this disease for the first time in 2021, and it hit me hard. In 2019, I found myself close to death with a pulmonary embolism (blood clots in my lungs and both legs). Throughout my life, I’ve had other close calls with accidents. Here’s the bottom line: We are all going to die of something, and none of us know when or how. So what actions should we take? What do I mean by “Trust in God?”
Some dare to blame God for the death of loved ones, murders, and accidents. God is never the author of moral evil; that is Satan’s domain. Yet disease, accidents, and death exist because we live in a world broken by sin since the Fall in Genesis 3. Scripture shows that God ‘sends rain on the just and the unjust’ (Matthew 5:45), and Jesus warned that those who died in disasters were not worse sinners than others (Luke 13:1–5). Death is inevitable, and none of us know when. Rather than blame, be prepared.
How? By learning what God wants you to know and following Jesus.
Jesus is everyone’s pathway to eternal life, where death, sickness, and pain have no existence. None!
This life is not the end; it’s the beginning!
When we are “In Christ,” we have chosen to take advantage of the Grace God offered us. In Christ, God has forgiven our sins, and our forever home is with Him. If we are “in Christ” and pursue a Christ-like life, we can live without fear of death; we can live instead with peace that surpasses understanding as heaven awaits. So why worry? In Christ, we can truly count it all joy!
In James 5:16, God points out that the prayers of the righteous avail much, so let us live fully by pursuing righteousness and praying with confidence that our prayers are heard. It is a great comfort to know our loved ones in Christ who lived accordingly are in paradise.
Scripture tells us: “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
Always be prepared
- * Matthew 24:36-51 (No one knows the Day or Hour)
- * 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (Fight the good fight)
- * 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (God of all Comfort)
- * Philippians 4:4-7 (The Peace of God)
How to be In Christ
Hear the Gospel: Romans 10:17; John 8:32
Belief/Faith: Hebrews 11:1; John 8:24; Romans 10:17
Repentance: 2 Corinthians 7:9–10; Luke 13:3–5; Acts 17:30; Acts 3:19
Confess: Romans 10:9–10; Matthew 10:32–33; Luke 12:8–9
Baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins: 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38; John 3:5; Matthew 28:18–20; Ephesians 4:5; Romans 6:3–4; Colossians 2:12; Acts 8:36–39; Mark 1:9–10; John 3:23
Additional references: Matthew 6:25–34; Luke 12:22–32; Philippians 4:4–7; Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 55:22; Psalm 56:3–4; Psalm 94:19; Proverbs 3:5–6; Proverbs 12:25; John 14:27; John 16:33; Colossians 3:15; Hebrews 13:5–6; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:31–32; Ephesians 2:8–9; Hebrews 9:27; John 14:6; Romans 8:18, 8:28, 8:38–39; 1 Corinthians 15:54–57; Revelation 21:4; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:21, 1:23; Hebrews 2:14–15; James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 23:4; Isaiah 41:10; 2 Timothy 4:7–8.
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