Benescke Janse van Rensburg

It is something we all have in common, a prospect that we all share. Yet, because none of us have ever experienced it, it makes us uncomfortable and even fearful. Death.

Over the past year, a few people I know experienced the loss of a loved one – a parent, a grandparent, a spouse, a friend and even a child. Every time the amount of hurt accompanying the loss touched me - whether death came unexpectedly or after a long sick-bed. When only the beautiful memories remain, one realizes how short life is in comparison to eternity that lies ahead for us.

Some readers asked me to write about their fear of death. The famous deaf and blind author and activist, Helen Keller, described the process of death as follows: "Death is no more than passing from one room into another. But there's a difference for me, you know. Because in that other room I shall be able to see.”

In Revelation 7: 16-17, Heaven is described as a place of complete happiness: “They will never be hungry or thirsty again. The sun or any burning heat will not shine down on them. For the Lamb Who is in the center of the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to wells of the water of life. God will take away all tears from their eyes.” Also in 1 Corinthians 2: 9 we read: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Heaven is a place with no sadness or pain. Just complete freedom and healing. It is a place where we will experience complete happiness and love in God’s presense. For this reason, we will want to praise and worship Him forever.

Is it normal to be sad after a loved one dies? Of course. In God we find our hope that we will reunite with each other one day. In the meanwhile, the Holy Spirit is our Comforter while we mourn. Is it normal to feel afraid to die? Yes, but we find our hope in knowing that Jesus died on our behalf to release us from fear. In Hebrews 2:14-15 it is written: “Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. . . Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.” Because Jesus freed us from the fear of dying, we can truly say like Paul in Philippians 1: 21: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

If we believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior who died for us so we can have eternal life, we do not have to be afraid of death anymore. We can indeed look forward to an eternity spent with Him. We can then walk with confidence from one room to the next, knowing that to live is Christ and to die, our gain. God bless.

Father God, thank you that I do not have to live in fear of dying, because I know that You will be there. Today, I want to recognize anew that I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ is my Savior, who died for my sin on the cross in order for me to be set free. Please fill me with peace knowing that I belong to You. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• Feedback: Share your testimony of God’s grace or tell me what fears you are struggling with at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I look forward to hearing from you. Benescke