Two Wonderful Alternatives

This past week I have spent an unusual amount of time with a family struggling through the ups and downs of a loving wife and mother who suffered a massive heart attack. The stress and weight of all the decisions they have had to consider and make have been massive.

Watching one of my friends suffer in such a way has been very hard to say the least. We have all fervently prayed for her healing and for a complete recovery and have watched as her body fights for life.

Reflecting on all that they have gone through, I am reminded of two scriptures from the apostle Paul:

"If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied." - 1 Corinthians 15:19

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

As a Christian, there are two wonderful alternatives for my friend. Either she will recover and enjoy life with her family and friends and continue to live faithfully as God's child here on earth or she will be transformed and transported to God's side and the marvelous joy and peace of Heaven.

For those of us here on earth, we want the first choice. We don't want to see her go. We will grieve her loss and long for her continued presence, but we do not grieve as those who have no hope! We know that the second alternative will be even far better for her and, in the midst of our grief, we will hold onto that hope.

That is what makes it possible for us to move through these difficult times . . . knowing those we love have two wonderful alternatives.