“So we are always of good courage…” – 2 Corinthians 5:6 

Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-21                       

In the year unfolding before us there may be those whom we love taken from us. Perhaps even someone reading this devotional.  This morning (at the time of writing), I received a phone call informing me of the death of one of God’s saints. She at sixty years was relatively young. I was shocked. Why now LORD? What grief for her loved ones and her church community!

Our why questions will not always receive answers in this world.  For all of us death will be life’s last experience. Our bodies are like tents flapping in the wind. And one day appointed by the LORD, that ‘tent’ will be taken down. The LORD is the giver and taker of life. Blessed be the Name of the LORD.  

Death remains the final enemy. Death is ugly. Death brings sorrow and even intense pain to loved ones left behind. There is a longing for the fellowship and companionship that is no longer. Death’s bite is hard, often very hard. By grace, believers trust God’s promise. Death’s sting will not last into eternity. They live in the confidence that when we are absent from the body, we are with the LORD. In faith, the Christian testifies to our reconciliation with God. Christ has won the victory over death. Do you believe this?

Suggestions for prayer

Pray for the certainty of faith. Confess your faith in the resurrected living Christ.

Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment.