Death Where is Your Sting

1 Corinthians 15:54-55  Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:  "Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is your victory?  O death, where is your sting."  

It seems lately there is a lot of death around.  I know that sounds odd, and death is always with us, but it seems to be making more appearances around me.  Friends, family, acquaintances seem to be losing family members.  The death of an unborn infant for my oldest, dearest friend and her daughter,  a brother of a friend at work, a cousin of another precious friend, the beloved pet of another friend and now one of our most favorite kitty residents of our shelter has passed over the rainbow bridge (as we animal people like to say) after her three short years on this earth.  A lovely sister in the Lord from church is facing the likely death of her son in a short time (praying for a miracle in this instance---our God is greater!) You would think this would start to get a bit depressing, right?  And yes, I am saddened by each of these; lost dreams, relationships put on hold until the hereafter, companionship lost.  My heart breaks for each of this families, for all of us who have faced loss...but it's not the end of the story.  And we are not without hope!!

So it's a funny "Godincidence" that we happen to be at the end of Luke in our Bible study at church, The death and resurrection of Jesus.  God is amazing...what perfect timing.  How does He do it!!  As I read the final chapter last night, (a very sad last night) I felt His hand of comfort bringing my heart hope and peace as I grieved the loss of our much loved shelter cat Skyler. Her antics made us laugh and smile, her affection brought us joy, and now this sweet three year old cat is dancing around the feet of Jesus.  On Earth she made her home in our hearts, and now has a truly forever home in Heaven.

Our God brings comfort.  But more than that He gives us hope.  As believers and as His children we know death is not the end of the story.  And I am so grateful for the reminder He gave last night.

1 Thessalonians 4:13  And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have not hope.  For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with Him the believers who have died.  

And as for animals being in Heaven....Psalm 84:3  Even the sparrow finds a home and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O Lord of Heaven's Armies, my King and my God!  

We serve a living God, are loved by a risen Savior.  We have hope, and joy and peace everlasting!  Praise God!!

Thank You Father for Your comfort.  I am so glad that nothing is more powerful than You...not even death itself.  All things serve You.  Your care for us, for our hurts and heartaches is so sweet and dear. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Take comfort today in Jesus' resurrection.