Hope in a Dark Place
1 Corinthians 15: 50-56
This I declare, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in an instant, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For that which is corruptible must clothe itself with incorruptibility, and that which is mortal must clothe itself with immortality. And when this which is mortal clothes itself with immortality, then the word that is written shall come about: "Death is swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I hope this passage lifts your heart as it lifts mine. Usually I don't like to know how something ends, but I'll tell you this, it gives me strength to know that in the end my God wins. Hands down, no questions asked. And on that day I hope to be by His side, doing whatever work he asks of me. There are days I long to shed this mortal coil for the joy that I know is awaiting me. And yet, there is still work to be done. And it is good work, for He has given it to me. So I stay contented asking for guidance through these murky waters we call life. Because I already know how it ends, and I can't stop smiling. Death? What is death but a passage to immortality? I fear not death, for there is someone who has gone before me. His blood has opened the way and His arms are waiting to welcome me home. This is one change I am eagerly awaiting. Peace be with you my brothers and sisters.
This I declare, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in an instant, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For that which is corruptible must clothe itself with incorruptibility, and that which is mortal must clothe itself with immortality. And when this which is mortal clothes itself with immortality, then the word that is written shall come about: "Death is swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I hope this passage lifts your heart as it lifts mine. Usually I don't like to know how something ends, but I'll tell you this, it gives me strength to know that in the end my God wins. Hands down, no questions asked. And on that day I hope to be by His side, doing whatever work he asks of me. There are days I long to shed this mortal coil for the joy that I know is awaiting me. And yet, there is still work to be done. And it is good work, for He has given it to me. So I stay contented asking for guidance through these murky waters we call life. Because I already know how it ends, and I can't stop smiling. Death? What is death but a passage to immortality? I fear not death, for there is someone who has gone before me. His blood has opened the way and His arms are waiting to welcome me home. This is one change I am eagerly awaiting. Peace be with you my brothers and sisters.