I love 1 Corinthians 15, commonly called "the resurrection chapter." There is nothing more central and essential to the Christian faith than the belief in the resurrection. Paul says it best in verse 14, "and if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is our faith." Everything hinges on the resurrection. Even though we have not physically seen it, we believe it because of the faithful witness of so many through the ages and the work of the Spirit in our lives.
The death of our loved ones are sad occasions for us, for a person we loved and who made such an impact on us, is no longer with us. But for those that die in faith, there is the promise that the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality. "Death has been swallowed up in victory!" That's the hope, promise, and comfort we cling to in our times of grief. The one we love truly has gone to a new and better place.
There are plenty of things in life to worry about. Those beyond my control I try and let go of and trust God to handle. Those I can do something about, I seek God's guidance and try to act accordingly. Resurrection provides hope. God is present. God will lead me through. God always does. With that resurrection promise, I try and be a faithful witness to others I meet and trust God will work through me in the way God intends.
It is so easy for me to get wrapped up in my circumstances, worrying and fretting, but Jesus has told us not to worry because he cares for us and provides for us, and I know this to be Truth. Today while I was driving into work in the chaos of traffic and the uncertainty of my job on my mind I felt God's presence, His Peace, and a calm came over me. I am a foreigner in this land and rejoice God has placed me here to share His Truth with those who are dying to hear the Good News, O death, where is your sting? Christ has overcome death and the grave, Alleluia!
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