The Promise of Eternal Life, May 29
Written by David Gira
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).
Since cancer showed up in your life, you probably have thought more about death than ever. Whether you are recently diagnosed, undergoing treatments, continuing to survive, or in the care of hospice, death can loom large. The prospect of dying can be distressing, depressing, and scary, but God’s will for you is not to perish but to have eternal life!
Because God loves you so much, God would never want to be apart from you. God loves you too much to let anything—sin, cancer, or even death—separate you from Him. The Apostle Paul declares confidently, “I am convinced that neither death nor life ... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39 NIV).
Jesus spoke to His disciples about death: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3 NIV).
We can be sure the Father’s house will be awesome. On the day of His death, Jesus said to the thief crucified beside Him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43 NIV). We will gather with all the saints, including loved ones who have gone to glory before us. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4 NIV). We can be confident, there will be no cancer!
We need not fear death or be anxious. In fact, we can look forward to it as a transition from this life to our life in heaven. With faith in Jesus Christ, Saint Paul could say, “I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” (Philippians 1:23 NIV).
All you need to go to heaven when you die is faith in Jesus. Believe He is the Son of God given for you, to be a perfect sacrifice on your behalf. Believe because of His death on the cross you are forgiven of your sin and free from death’s power. Put your whole trust in Him, be born again, filled with God’s Spirit, and transformed in Christ’s likeness. He is the way to heaven (see John 14:6).
Pray: Lord, help me not to fear death, but to live courageously, and to look forward to the day when I can live in heaven with You forever. Amen.
Your Turn: Chris Tomlin’s song, Home, captures and expresses the joy and hope of heaven. Jesus’ promise of heaven enables us to not fear death, but to look forward to it as a glorious homecoming. Listen, soak in Jesus’ love, and pray.
Michael David Gira, Jr., Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a 7 year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
