DAY 4 - DEATH

“No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave.” (Psalm 89:48)

We have all had those life-changing moments – the death of a parent, child, spouse, sibling, or close friend. We tend to run from the fact that death is a part of living until we run into it face-to-face. As a good friend once reminded me…we are all terminal.

Some years ago, I read an “object lesson” for children that I have since used many times. It goes something like this: “Many years ago, in a time we do not remember, we were in our mother’s tummy – warm, safe, fed. Everything was perfect. When the time came for us to be born, we surely did not want that. We did not want to leave our perfect world. Then in a matter of moments, we came into this world – bright lights with talking and laughter. As we grew, we got to taste all different kinds of foods, make friends, play, and explore. Once here, we cannot imagine ANYTHING that would be more wonderful than this. But one day, we will go to a place even more beautiful than this. Just like the time we were in our mother’s tummy, we don’t want to leave; but God has promised us eternal life with Him that is FAR more wonderful than anything we could ever experience here.”

To me, that simplistic “object lesson” puts both life and death in perfect perspective, even for adults. You see, death always exposes our hidden fears. We have been hiding from our fears sine Adam and Eve hid from God because of their nakedness.

As we walk through the valley of death, either for ourselves or with others, we need to put death in the place it deserves…as an integral part of what we believe. It is but a stepping stone to life eternal. God was with us during our first breath and will be with us for our last breath on earth as we begin eternal life with Him.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge: Today, take a moment to be conscious of your breath. Slowly inhale, then exhale. Do it several times. Feel God’s presence as your lungs fill with air. Be reminded of His presence in your life, both here, and in life eternal.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for this beautiful world in which I have the opportunity to live. May I be reminded, however, that this world is only a temporary dwelling place and that my life here is only a small journey on my path to life eternal. Take away the fear that surrounds the unknown of death; replace it with a joy and peace that only you can give. Amen.

Sabrina Williams