I heard a phrase today. "At least you made it through another day." As in, well, you've survived another day-- rough day, but you made it through. And that made me wonder. A lot of people think if you've made it through another day here on Earth, that's a victory. Like the phrase, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." So, being able to live one more day-- that's something to celebrate. A friend's child was diagnosed with leukemia this week, and that has made me think a lot more about when children die--I've been having dreams this week about when my sweet girl Stef died 3 years ago. We try so hard to keep sick people alive one more day. We try so hard to keep the dying here on Earth. We all fight so hard to live longer, to stay disease free, to fight aging, to prolong life.
But what if we have it all wrong?
What if when we get to Heaven, we realize, what was all that fighting for?
I sincerely believe that when I am standing in the presence of Jesus, and wrapped in His safe, loving arms, and standing in the middle of Heaven...I am going to realize I would have rushed a lot faster to get there. When I look into His face and realize all the wants, hopes, and dreams I've ever had have suddenly been filled, when I look around the Holy City and realize I will never cry again, never need for anything again, never have to say goodbye to anyone again... I will no longer want the shallowness that Earth had to offer.Forget all the vitamins I took to be healthier. Forget the creams I put on my face to look younger and fight wrinkles. Forget cancer treatments, forget worrying about dying, forget fears. I have a feeling we will all wonder, why did we all fear death? With Heaven and our savior waiting for us... why didn't we come running at it, embracing it? Why did we hold on so tightly to this false, faded, sin-filled world when the Real World filled with the Glory of God is waiting for us?
That is my plan. I actually do not fear death--at all. I know what Heaven will be like. If you haven't read about Heaven in the Bible, or read Randy Alcorn's book on Heaven, I highly recommend doing so. That's some great reading. And look forward to what's on the other side-- don't fear it. There's Someone there alread waiting for you.
4 comments:
I think I fear death because of how sad my family will be. I don't want them to grieve for me. I look forward to heaven. My grandson died in August and I believe God took him for a good reason, and yet I grieve and I miss him. But God's grace and peace is sufficient. I find comfort in Revelation where it says, "Blessed are those who die in the Lord from henceforth. Blessed indeed for their deeds follow them and they rest from their labors."
good outlook -- obey and give God glory while we're here, but be glad to go when He calls us!
I believe the answer is quite simple. People do not believe the Word of God. ie: "for me to live is Christ to die is gain" .."to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" blog
I can so relate to this with my health issues of late. I know what awaits me on the other side. I know of Jesus' sweet and perfect love. I felt it when I saw Him. Yet I, too, often find myself holding onto the temporal things of this seemingly out of control world. And I am scared for what and who I will leave behind. My dad has been through much in his life. I need to be here for him. My brother, who is mentally challenged, needs daily help to get through the day in one piece. Nobody can help him like I can. But despite all this grumbling in my harried mind I feel God telling me all will be well and I need to fully put my trust in His divine providence. I want nothing more than to be with our Father in heaven. I don't fear death. I just fear the process. I guess that is what keeps me hanging on to those things I enjoy and those people I feel only I can help. Only when we truly let go of this world can we fully embrace the treasures of heaven and God's oh so perfect love. Praying for God's perfect peace for you!
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