338 – I Don’t Want You To Die Daddy

#faithbites #faithjourney die

Tonight I was watching a medical drama with the girls as usual. This episode was a bit rough as many were close to death. My eldest then asked me what I wanted them to do with my money when I died. She said it in a joking kinda of tone. I didn’t know where that came from. We chuckled. My youngest then said, “I don’t want you to Die Daddy”. She was very serious. I told her that I wasn’t going to die any time soon and it would be a long long long time before I died. She was sad about it. I asked her what happened when we die. She wasn’t sure.  I told her we would go and be with Jesus. While that helped a bit, she was still said. I told her I loved her very much and would be with her for a long long time.

I then left to get something from the store. On my way there I reflected on that conversation. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t scared about dying. Of course, I don’t want to die yet as there are many things I still want to see and do, but I’m not afraid. When it is my time, I know I am saved by faith.

Scripture

• “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.- John 3:16
• Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. – John 5:24
• For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39

Reflection

Of all the #faithbites I’ve done, finding scripture for this one was the easiest. The New Testament is all about eternal life in Christ. We see it in his words and actions. I have no fear. Some may say that there is no Christ, nor God. I know that is the Devil knocking on my door. But to play devil’s advocate, if I believe in God, and there is no God, would I know? I would die and that would be it. In my heart, I would die in faith and my heart would be at rest.

Of course, I don’t believe that, rather I know what the next life will bring. My children are being brought up in that eternal undying faith of Christ. Sure, it’s not easy to believe in this world, but I have seen so many wonders that I can’t help but believe.

Not being afraid of death, doesn’t mean I’m eager for it for I want to see my children grow, get married if they chose, have children if they chose, and see what God does with their lives. I’m eager to see all the people I have interacted with and what they make of the gifts God has given them. I am not afraid of death any longer.

Charge

Are you afraid to die? Being afraid of death isn’t the same thing as being eager for it. Remember that Jesus is in front of you, behind you, and at your sides. He will protect you all the days of your life and grants you eternal life. Use that knowledge to strengthen your faith and cast fear away.

Lord, help me to remember your promises. Give me the strength not to fear death as I know you have saved me. Allow me to be your servant all the days that I have here on earth.