John 11:25 ESVI am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live
At 2:52 am Thursday morning, Ohio time, my sister-in-law passed away after a long illness. It is a time of pain and sadness but also relief and rejoicing. Pain, because her passing leaves an emptiness inside us that will eventually diminish but never be filled. Sadness, because we know the emptiness is even greater in her husband and daughter.
This is a loss, no doubt about it. Wai Ming was a dear woman. She had a tender heart and cared about others. She was an encourager and a prayer warrior. Her presence made this world, and people’s lives, better. She will be missed greatly by many.
There is also a sense of relief. She was in great pain as three different cancers ravaged her body. The last few months she was ready, even eager, to meet her Lord face to face. Those who loved her are relieved that her pain and suffering are gone. She is now happier and more joyful than she ever was during her time on earth.
The Christian members of her family and friends from church rejoice that not only is Wai Ming in paradise, but that eventually we will all get to see her again. She will likely be there to greet us when we each cross over to be where she now is.
Being a Christian has many positive aspects. It brings a sense of peace and purpose to a person’s life that is like no other. God’s presence means that we are never alone. We do not have to face life’s trials by ourselves. However, in my opinion, the greatest part of being a Christian is being able to face death knowing that it is not an end, merely a change of address.
Physical death of our earthly bodies is never the end. The Bible makes it clear that our spirit/soul will exist eternally. The only question is where, and in what condition. Wai Ming is now in paradise because she had/has a relationship with God. She had surrendered her life to Him and made Jesus her Savior and Lord.
Those who die without having a relationship with God will also continue to exist for eternity. They will exist in a state of continual torment with no hope of relief (Matthew 13:41-42, Mark 9:47-48). That is a tragedy and a true loss. That is why Wai Ming prayed fervently for her family members who do not yet know Christ. It is why those of us who are Christian should be a light to the world so that all people can see God’s love and hear the truth that leads to repentance and salvation.
Most gracious and almighty Father. Thank you for ending Wai Ming’s suffering. I ask for your peace and comfort for her family and friends as they grieve her temporary absence. I pray You will use her passing to touch the hearts of her family members that do not yet have a relationship with You. Answer her prayers for them and draw them to You.