But when...

 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?

Right now, in this present life, death occurs way too often.  We just attended a funeral of a dear aunt who suffered with Alzheimers and eventually succumbed to its tight grip on her mind and body.  She’s gone.  We recently lost a close friend and pastor who died suddenly in his home.  He was here, and then gone. 

Death stings.

Death “seems” like it has the upper hand and gets to us all.

However, there will be a day when we won’t have to deal with death knocking at our door any more. 

Why?

Because death will be swallowed up in victory and no longer have its stinger.  It will be rendered ineffective on those who believe and receive Christ and all that he is.

I am tired of death coming and stealing those I love.  But I’m so thankful that I know I will see them again, because just their flesh died.  Their spirits are soaring.  Because the stinger of death was removed the minute they breathed their last breath.

Thank you Jesus, for the incredible victory you achieved over death, when you died and rose again! 

Do you see now why it’s SO important to believe?