In this stage of my life, the subject of death seems to pop up more frequently than before, and it’s not always a happy thought. As Christians, we know that death isn’t the end of the journey; but as human beings, it’s normal to worry about and even dread the process.
Personally, I haven’t been spared fear and doubts about exiting this life, and I’ve felt the struggle to keep my faith about the glories of heaven intact. But then I think of all the apostles and great men and women of God throughout the ages who died in peace, holding onto the promises in the Bible about the afterlife.
So I have sought refuge in the truths of the Bible, tested and proven by millions throughout the centuries. Absorbing them and meditating on them has brought peace to my heart. I decided I had better prepare, building my faith on the Scriptures, which offer the right foundation to face the grave.
As usual, whenever we deal with doubts, there is no better way to resolve or dispel them than to go to God’s Word. So I’ve found great comfort in various Bible passages, especially from the New Testament, such as the time when Jesus told Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.”1 He then goes on to ask her—really, addressing each one of us: “Do you believe this?” Just hearing Jesus serenely asking me this question sets me at ease, and my answer of course is: “Yes, Lord. I have always believed.”2
When facing the prospect of death, Jesus is my focal point. I know He is the way, the truth and the life,3 and He’s the resurrection and the life,4 so why worry?
The apostle Paul’s words and attitude toward death are also a great encouragement to me. Instead of dreading it, he was looking forward to it: “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”5
Several years ago, in the months before my mom passed away, she had a pretty happy attitude and great peace about the next life. She knew she had made many mistakes in her life, yet she had reconciled with God and had surrendered to Him. So she didn’t worry; she was already in His arms, so to speak. She looked forward to heaven with a happy expectation. Her good example has helped calm my own fears.
Dr. Dwight L. Moody had a lot to say about death. When someone asked him if he had dying grace, he wisely answered: “No. Why should I? I’m not dying yet.” So that’s probably why I don’t quite have dying grace. God will endow us with it when we need it. And if you have any unresolved issues before that day comes, bring them to God and reconcile with Him by asking Jesus into your heart, so you can fly to His arms when He calls you Home.