**Sip Saturday is written by our Saturday morning contributor, M.H. Elrich. A beautifully gifted Christian author who seeks to honor the Trinity in her writing. She hopes that her words will encourage women to draw closer to God, whether that is through her fantasy series or her weekly devotionals.
Cornerstone Scripture:
“...that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”
-Hebrews 2:14b-15 ESV
Heart pounding, I startled awake, grasping my chest. My lungs felt like they were constricting around me, and I took several deep breaths. Mind racing, all I could think about was whether or not I was going to die. Fear filled me, and I knew I was having my first panic attack.
With daily heart pain, I sought help. The endless doctor appointments and lack of answers shot my alarm through the roof. Come to find out, it was acid reflux, and I was told to cut back on caffeine and other acidic sources. Some of it helped, but panic attacks are more than just about your physical health. They’re about your spiritual health, too.
This experience taught me the fear of death. As someone relatively young, I hadn’t truly considered what would happen if I died. Yet, this experience taught me to value life and to remind myself that death is not the end for a believer.
In this passage in Hebrews, the author reminds that death should no longer be feared, but instead be considered a rite of passage from one life to the next. Although it’s easy to say something like that, believing it is hard. Are you able to have peace when faced with your own mortality? I’ll be honest, it’s a struggle as I worry about those I will leave behind.
Yet, God gives us reassurances through His Word. Jesus tells us that when we will die, we will be in paradise with Him (Luke 23:43). In Hosea, God promises to remove the sting of death for eternity, which he does through Jesus’ death and resurrection (Hosea 13:14 and 1 Corinthians 15:55). Paul also describes in 1 Corinthians 15 how the body is perishable, but it will be raised imperishable.
So, when fears rise up about death, I have to remind myself to trust God. He has the power of life and death, and as long as He graciously allows, I will continue to live on this planet for him. I will also trust Him that when I die, I will be with him in heaven, and one day be resurrected with a new body. Trusting God when facing death takes courage, and this passage reminds us that we do not have to fear death. It has already been conquered.
Let’s pray.
Dear Lord, there are many obstacles that make me face death. When I do, please give me the courage to keep living for you and trusting you for what happens after this life. In Your Son’s Name I pray, Amen.
Recently, I, M.H., had a series of medical emergencies. You can read the full story here, but if you feel led, you can also donate using this link.
Thank you very much.
So good Michelle. Thank you for your diligence and courage in sharing your heart and fear around death.
It's an important truth that does take the sting away. I faced some things due to my Dad dying 3 years ago and some health concerns. Thanks for the trust reminder.