Posted on 05/27/2024 4:36:41 AM PDT by metmom
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
We can count on Scripture to give us confidence in the face of death.
A few years ago my radio ministry heard from a listener who was exhibiting exactly the right attitude in the face of a terminal illness. A teenager from the Midwest sent a prayer request concerning her recently diagnosed Lou Gehrig’s disease. That Christian young woman, who by now is probably with the Lord, accepted her condition with grace and optimism. Here is part of what she wrote to us: “I love the Lord very much and feel the Lord is using my condition to work in different peoples’ lives. Please pray with me that He would continue to use me no matter what the outcome.”
Her sentiments were right in step with Philippians 1:21, in which the apostle Paul proclaims his joy and confidence at the possibility of death. What enabled him to rejoice was his complete confidence in the Word of God.
Earlier Paul had articulated his trust in God’s promises when he wrote these familiar words in Romans 8:28, “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Now he shared verbatim with the Philippians from Job 13:16, “For I know that this shall turn out for my deliverance” (Phil. 1:19). That too was a trustworthy promise from the Word, and it made Paul confident that his current trials would have a positive outcome.
Whether suffering was of long or short duration, Paul knew that the righteous would be delivered from their temporal trials. That was certainly borne out when God restored Job from his difficult, lengthy ordeal of testing.
Knowing all this, and realizing that all of God’s written Word is available to us, we can certainly have Paul’s type of confidence as we consider the inevitability of death. And we can “keep on rejoicing” (1 Peter 4:13), even if it’s the Lord’s will that we experience an early departure from this life.
Suggestions for Prayer
Thank God for the provision of His Word, which is such an infallible guide as you deal with the uncertainties of death.
Pray for someone you know at your church or in your neighborhood who may be facing death right now.
For Further Study
Read Psalm 34:17, 19; 37:39-40; 91:3; 97:10. What theme runs through these verses that would help you deal as you ought with trials and sufferings?
From Strength for Today by John MacArthur Copyright © 1997. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
Facing death might be a little scary but thanks to God for giving us the ability to trust in Him to be there waiting for us at our transition from this world. Being in His direct presence will be something greater than our human minds can comprehend. Thanks to our Lord Jesus!
It’s the process I’m not looking forward to, unless it’s going in my sleep or dropping dead from a massive stroke that I don’t know hit me.
While not a NDE, several weeks ago I thought I was going down for the count. I’ve since been diagnosed with blood clots in my right leg but at the time, I didn’t know. I was taking my dog’s food and water bowl to the sink and the best I can describe it is, I was shutting down.
I’ve fainted before and this wasn’t that. I don’t know if it was a clot that let loose but I was going down for the count. First thought I had was, save and forgive me Jesus and I caught myself, went to the couch and sat for about 15 minutes sweating and my heart racing.
I shared this with a friend and told her it was very comforting to know that it could have been my last thought and that it popped into my mind.
It’s scary when stuff like that hits right out of the blue.
Glad you OK, and your immediate reaction, to cry out to Jesus is indeed a comforting one to have.
I’ve nearly blacked out several times. The last time as the darkness was coming I felt very at peace and the Lord’s Name Jesus went through my mind. I knew I was going right to Him. But I came back. The takeaway for me was in the moment it wasn’t scary but very reassuring.
Stepping back from that, the only fear I have is dying before all my children and grandchildren are saved.
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