Why can't I meet death with the same optimism as my grandmother?

on Feb 7, 2024

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: My grandmother passed away when I was a teenager, but I will never forget her hope of Heaven and she never seemed to be afraid of death. Now I am facing death, but I can’t seem to find the same joy she had and I want to leave the same legacy for my grandchildren as she left for me. I’m a Christian, but I don’t have the same kind of people around me as she had around her. – F.D.

A: People watched Queen Elizabeth return from trips abroad throughout her reign, welcomed home by dignitaries, marching bands, troops, and waving flags. There was great splendor watching the homecoming of a queen.

As grand as it was, it doesn’t compare to the homecoming of a believer in Jesus Christ. The souls of Christians are carried upward by the angels to the glorious welcome awaiting the redeemed (see Luke 16:22). “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me … has passed from death into life” (John 5:24, NKJV).

From the human viewpoint, death is always tinged with sadness. But Christians have hope of eternal life with their Savior, Jesus Christ. This is why the Apostle Paul said we should not grieve like those who have no hope (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13). The way to Heaven may lie through the valley of the shadow of death, but death for the Christian is the doorway to Heaven’s glory. Because of Christ’s resurrection, we can joyously know victory over death.

Death is not the end of the road — it is merely a gateway to eternal life beyond the grave. Jesus Christ, the Master Realist, urged people to prepare for death — which is certain to come to all. Jesus said not to worry about the death of the body, but rather be concerned with the soul. Believers in Christ don’t have to be fearful, for a bright future awaits in the presence of God.

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This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)