SUMMARY: Sarah dies
OVERVIEW: Abraham mourns the loss of Sarah.
BIG IDEA: God is present when we have peace, and when we mourn.
KEY VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 (Paul reminds us there is hope after death)
And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
My child, I want you to live with hope and peace and purpose, knowing your future is secure in Jesus. There’s no reason to fear death. I have defeated it. You can be confident as my child that you will be with me for eternity. When family or friends who know Jesus pass, they too will join me. Jesus has been preparing a place for all my children for many years. It is beautiful, and if you had even a glimpse now, you would be forever at peace. Let others know I love them and want them to spend eternity with me.
And don’t wait to honor those you love. Take time each day—beginning today—and share why you love and respect those in your life. Be specific. Share stories. Recite words they said that encouraged or inspired you. Tell them how they’ve impacted the way you live. It isn’t easy to live well on earth, so celebrate a life well-lived when you see it in process. May your words fuel their remaining days on earth.
NEXT STEP
Honor those you love while they’re living, not just when they die. Identify one or two people you love and respect, and tell them why you feel that way. If possible, do it in public so you can affirm them amongst others.
MUSIC VIDEO