O death, where is your sting?

I have really been dreading writing a post for the past week. I just don't know what to say after all that's happened this week. And I don't want this to just be an informational post about the death of dear friends and people so closely involved with Campus Crusade. But I don't really know what to say. I just feel like death has been such a part of my life the past few years. And I know that it is something I have to deal with. Death, that is.

Losing David and Heidi was such a complete shock and horror. They were servants of the Lord and vibrant spirits. But despite the horrible way that they were sent to meet their Savior, I have comfort. I guess that's what I've been thinking about this week. Comfort, and hope, that we have in the Lord. After going to the funerals and seeing my close friend Sherri, the sister of David, embracing the goodness of God through the destruction of death, I knew that God was good. And faithful.

"O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

And the charge: "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

1 Corinthians 15:55-58 (emphasis added)

Death is an awful, painful part of this world that leaves us grasping for purpose and meaning. It is not a natural part of life. Death was never part of the plan. God made us to live in relationship with him. But because of our sin and rebellion against him, we must all suffer this physical death. And it really hurts for those who are left. But I rejoice because spiritual death is not something that those who know Him have to experience. This is so beautiful and so hopeful!

As I think back over the past few years, with 4/16, losing my grandfather and my mother-in-law last year, and now experiencing the murders of David and Heidi, I am so suprised that I'm not turning away from the Lord, cursing him for not preventing death. But all I want to do it grow closer in step with him. And I know that that feeling is a supernatural one, and given by the grace of God. And so I praise him. For the lives of those who we lost this week, for the steadfastness of the families and friends, and for the unwavering hope we have in the Father.

This post was kind of a rambling one. But hope you all have a great Friday and Labor day weekend.