Overcoming the Fear of Death

   I was going to do a post explaining my thoughts over a certain chapter, but I figured that this would be a more appropriate topic. Today we live in a world where we hear stories of Christians being slaughtered, and in my opinion it’s easily dismissed! We hear about it on the news but I’ve seen only a select few who have taken immediate action. I think that hearing things like this, is starting to be normal for us, when those are LIVES being SLAUGHTERED over beliefs! And I’m not saying to start a riot, but don’t become accustomed to it!
A few weeks back I was watching Joshua Feuerstein and he was advertising a shirt that said ‘I’m Christian’ and at the top at the neckline, there was a dotted line that said ‘Cut along the dotted line’. I’d know a lot of people who’d wear that shirt but when the time came, they wouldn’t be able to step up. Then I got to thinking, “If I was threatened right now, would I take the death?” And I don’t think I would. Let’s be honest, if you were threatened by ISIS right now to be beheaded, would you renounce your Christianity, or would you die? I’d be too scared! I just turned 17, don’t even have a drivers license, I haven’t seen the world yet, or gotten married. I want to at least live until I’m in my thirties or forties. And I know that there are kids who die at five, but I’m too chicken! And I don’t want to renounce my Christianity, but if I was in that sort of situation where I was legitimately going to die if I didn’t, I’m certain that I would chicken out. I don’t trust myself enough to chose death over life. I know the right answer, but would I really chose death?
It’s easy to say that we’re going to stand up for Christ, but when the situation comes and the pressure is on, it’s difficult! And guys, it’s not a bad thing. I mean, we should stand up for Christ no matter the circumstance, but we are going to get scared. Who necessarily wants to get decapitated? Doesn’t that HURT?! So how do we gain the courage we need to face death right in the face with a smile on our face?
Immediately after realizing that my faith is flawed, I turned to the bible to figure out what I can do to fix this fear I have. The first person naturally I thought of was Jesus. Scattered around the book of Matthew, you’ll see where Jesus predicts his death. He knew he was going to die a painful death. If anything, Jesus died the worst death possible. But what kept him brave? I turn to the crucifixion story and noticed when the women grieved for him, Jesus said, “Don’t weep for me.” He understood that the lives he was going to save, would be worth his earthly pain. When I read stories about people being beheaded, it astounds me how these Christians immediately quote bible and say have at it. It’s my belief that they understand that their story will inspire Christians around the globe that it’s not that bad. I did a little more research and found a few verses that helped shed some light.
Revelation 21:4 says, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things will be gone forever.” Pain is earthly. When I thought more on it, I imagined death being like a shot. I absolutely hate shots. One time I had to have six shots in one day, and I thought I wouldn’t make it. Even though it was six shots, it was quick. Yeah, it was painful and uncomfortable, but it was quick. Not only were the shots quick, but afterwards I was protected from diseases that I could’ve died from. When we die, yeah, it may hurt, but after death we’ll be in heaven away from sorrow, and pain.
Another verse that inspired me was Psalm 23:4. It states, “Even as I walk through the darkest valley I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me.” I think it’s important to remember during a time of death that God is literally right there hugging you. I overlook God in situations more than I’d like to admit, but he really is there. And for me, the reason I overlook God in those situations, is because I sometimes put off bible reading and prayer. That’s normal in Christians, but still deadly. So a way to prepare yourself for the great unknown is to have a strong connection with God.
1 Corinthians 15:26 says, “And the last enemy to be destroyed is death.” Jesus destroyed eternal death, and he gave us eternal life. For us, we still have to deal with earthly death. Nobody wants to die, but it will happen either way. I’m just glad that my life isn’t worth everyone’s eternal life. I know where I’d go if I die, but I know it’s still scary. But here’s the thing, it’s our last enemy. The last fear we should ever have to face is death, because death is not only the end of fear and sorrow, but it’s the beginning of an eternal peace.
And how do we prepare for our last enemy? 1 John 4:18 says, “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” The only way we can prepare ourselves for our last moments, is to live today’s moments. Take the time that God has given us and use it to grow closer to him! Read your bible! Pray! Go to church! Go preach the gospel! A life completely centered around God is a life with little fear.
If you liked this post please give me a thumbs up or a heart and if you have a question or a comment please email me at fire.time.rsmith@gmail.com. I’m sorry if the graphics are getting a bit cruddy, I plan on investing in some better photo editors. I’ll try my best with what I have until then! So until next week, God bless, and keep your fire for God blazing!