As a nineteen-year-old EMT fresh out of school, I found out firsthand that what the Bible says in Hebrews 9:27 really is true: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: It was six o’clock in the morning. While most other people were getting up for the day, making their morning coffee, or watching cartoons, there I was standing next to a fatal car accident scene, with not one victim making it out alive.
Death is no respecter of persons. I worked for eight years on an ambulance, and unfortunately, there were some who we could not save. Death does not care how old a person is. The Bible is very clear that every man will meet death. We do not know when or how death will come to us. However, as Christians, we do not need to fear that word death. John 14:1-3 says, Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
I watched my mom fight cancer for almost two years. I drove her back and forth to her chemo treatments, spent nights with her in a hospital room, and saw her put smiles on for my children so they would not see “Nana” in so much pain. We all had hoped and prayed for her to be healed from this cancer, but eventually, we stood in her room and needed to say “goodbye.” In that moment, all I could think of was the verse which says, …my grace is sufficient… That day, I repeated that verse over and over in my mind. The one who I called “Mom” lay there about to take her last breath. Even as an EMT, I could not save her; I could do nothing and felt completely helpless. This was the wonderful lady who had helped me study until midnight, taught me how to drive, and trained me to sing in church. Mom went to Heaven that afternoon because, as a teenage girl, she had asked Jesus to come into her heart and save her. I thought, “How can I go on from here?” That verse still rings in my mind. The Holy Spirit has brought grace and comfort through this verse since that day when we said “goodbye.” The Bible does say in 2 Corinthians 12:9, And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
We know death is certain if the Lord tarries His coming. We are commanded in Matthew 28:19 to tell people that Jesus will save them. How will they know if we do not tell them? We also need to pray for the lost. When we knock on those doors and talk to people, we do not know if that is the last time they will hear the Gospel. We do not know if they will get into a car accident or if cancer will come into their bodies; we just do not know when they may take their last breaths. As Christians, we must be fervent at telling others that Jesus is the way to Heaven, for we may be their last chance to hear. John 14:6 says, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Let us be reminded of the comfort and hope of Heaven! No matter the circumstances we face, we know that we have Heaven to anticipate one day. Colossians 3:2 says, Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Today, let us remember to focus not on the earthly things, but on the eternal hope of Heaven and be ready to share it with all who will hear!
by Mandy Harper
