Death is gain

Randy Alcorn said "we should not romanticize death. But those who know Jesus should realize that death is the gateway to never-ending joy."

My friend's father died recently. She was close to her dad. He called her 'My Princess'. Before he died he suffered from Tuberculosis. When he got healed from TB, he then had Dementia, a mental disease that causes one to have gradual memory loss. In effect, he would often ask who she was, but on good days, he'd fully recognize her. She recalled asking him "Sige nga Dad, sino ako?" his reply, "ikaw pa, you're my princess!".

My friend is a believer in Jesus Christ. I remember seeing her with her mom and dad in church's Sunday Services or special gatherings. I regret that I never had the chance to talk with him during those times but I heard my friend would often share gospel to him. Just days before he died, his memory was lucid. It was her chance to ask some questions about his faith. She said he seemed to really understand that Jesus is the only Way, the Truth and Life; no one comes to the Father except through Jesus (John 14:6). It was encouraging.

I went to the wake and hugged my friend. As I looked at her, understandably you'd know that she lacked sleep, but she was on her usual bubbly self. Her last encounter with her dad is giving her joy in the midst of grief--he could be in heaven now, without any sickness and they will see each other again someday.

I hope to all those who have lost their dad; to those who are grieving for the loss of their loved ones, please look to Christ. He is the Great Comforter. I also mourn with you and I pray that the loss will bring you to seeking Jesus more. To know the God who is the giver of eternal life (John 3:16)

Death is gain (Philippians 1:21). While I don't wish to die now, I am open to God's timing of my death because that day will be the glorious day as I meet my Creator, my Lord and Savior.

Recommended sites to visit:

desiringod.org

higherrockchurch.org