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Posted by on Feb 8, 2017 in Voices |

When I’m gone

When I’m gone

Death is far away, like a distant mountain that need not be climbed until later in life. Someday I’ll die. At my age and place in life, it doesn’t feel like death is a real thing. I’ve experienced the mourning of death, but of course, never death itself.

The Lord has brought me to think about death several times recently. First, I mourned the loss of a dear friend’s little boy. Then I mourned the death of another longtime friend’s dad. Several times I stood with friends and family where death was a close miss.

I don’t say all this to be morbidly introspective but to share my burning questions and thoughts. As I asked the Lord to speak, I found myself asking three specific questions. I challenge you to have a conversation with the Father concerning these following themes.

First, when I die, to whom will I pass my ministry? I pray that when I die I have at least one ministry that the Lord can still use. Have I been training someone to take up where I leave off, or have I been hoarding the work? Hoarding the work reflects a prideful heart. 2 Timothy 2:2 says, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” I pray my services and ministry will be easily passed on just as the baton is passed in a race.

Second, when I die, what shall I hear at the pearly gates? Oh Lord, may I hear the everlasting call of the Father, summoning me to His throne. I know in my heart that, without a shadow of a doubt, I will be ushered in to heaven. But I pray I am approached as one who gave my all. Matthew 25:23 reflects the words of the Father to his servant, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things… Come and share your Master’s happiness!” I heard a speaker by the name of Darla Baerg say, in response to Jesus in this verse, “Oh Lord Jesus, it was my pleasure!” What a perfect response to aspire to!

Lastly, when I die, what shall Christ gain from it? Everything done in heaven and on earth is done for the glory of God. I pray my life is a drop in the bucket of God’s ocean of glory, a single stroke in the masterpiece of his honor. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” For the glory of God, even unto death.

I’m not a martyr, and I’m not suicidal. But to be a Believer and not think on death is to deny our ultimate goal, which is beyond death and in the arms of Heaven. I pray as you think upon my offered thoughts, you are encouraged to train up disciples, live life with God’s pleasure at heart and do everything for the glory of Christ.

About The Author

Hannah Hanzel http://www.bgco.org

Hannah serves as the Art Director for The Baptist Messenger.

Hannah Hanzel has blogged 38 posts at wordslingersok.com

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