tumblr_msfcbp9kQ21relheoo1_1280In the midst of what has been a hectic weekend I missed my regular Monday post. I do not intend this short post to be an apology for that but rather an explanation and encouragement to those who have gone, are going, or will go through the experience of losing someone you loved and enjoyed being around. On this past Saturday morning, August 31st, 2013, a dear friend of mine past away. While I only knew this man for 2 years, he made an impact on me that will last for eternity. Paul Davis Saunders Jr. was the type of man whom I loved and admired because he was the type of man who emulated so well the Lord Jesus Christ.

While I cannot at this point put into words the deep sorrow I have that I will never be able to hear Paul tell one of his jokes again or speak of the God He loved and served, I hope to in a few short sentences express why I am actually rejoicing that Paul is with His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven now. To begin to express this I must ask the question, “why is the death of another so hard to experience?” Why is it so heartbreaking and difficult? And how can we deal with it? Here are 4 truths I am finding it helpful to remember in dealing with death.

1) Death is not a designed part of life. God did not create mankind to die (Gen. 2:7), rather it was a result of man’s disobedience (Gen. 2:16-17).

2) Death is a result of sin. Death is not something that happens for no reason, it is a reality of our world because of the sinfulness of man (Rom. 5:12, 6:23; James 1;15).

3) Death is a reality for us all. None of us will escape death because none of us can refrain from sin (Rom. 3:10-18, 23). Death is something that comes once for all of us (Heb. 9:27).

4) Death has a death as well. Death has always had its day coming as well (Is. 25:8, 53:11). We are told that a man, Jesus Christ came to conquer death and sin (1 Cor. 15:26, 54-57). The toughest part of this reality is that there is an ALREADY aspect (2 Tim. 1:10; Heb. 2:9), but also a NOT YET aspect (Rev. 21:4).

So while I cannot entirely put to words all the feelings surrounding the death of a dear friend, I am so thankful that I can face it and deal with it, because of the Truth(s) found in God’s Word and His Son Jesus Christ.

Here are the thoughts from another individual who was impacted greatly by Paul’s life. All was Well!