Sometimes, the weight of living this life gets to us. It feels sticky and scratchy, less graceful, and more gritty. We wander into and out of seasons that leave us asking where God is in the middle of grief, loss, or emptiness.
A few years ago, I lost my grandfather slowly and suddenly. He was tired one day and hospitalized the next. Not three weeks later, he was gone.
In those days between admitting him to the hospital and his meeting Jesus, I couldn’t seem to rectify the fact that what was happening felt so foreign and yet so expected. Death is a terrible reality that we live with, an awful and haunting sort of event that wrecks us. But, as we learn early on, it’s inevitable: death is a part of life.
One night, as I was adjusting his oxygen mask, my fingers combed through his hair, damp with sweat because his breathing was so labored. It reminded me of my nieces waking from a nap, their fine hair damp and sticking to their foreheads. And then I thought of my grandfather as a young boy, running around, playing and sweaty. His mother must have pushed his hair off his forehead, just as I was doing now. Later, after he was gone, a friend said to me, “You know, we labor into this world, and we really labor out of it, too.”
One evening around dusk, I pulled him up to a sitting position, and together we shuffled over to a chair by the window. I sat in front of him, asking questions about his life. The vesper light caught his eyes as he told me about a career of flying planes all around the world for the Navy. We both knew things were drawing to a close. Still, in that moment, I sensed a very real peace. We both did. It was as if we both understood that our bodies may break down but Christ has given us life that will carry on for the rest of eternity.
Part of me couldn’t believe his earthly life was coming to an end. But another part of me knew better: this is what happens. Sometimes, we live so deeply rooted in our fallen, fragile reality that we forget there is another better, truer one.
For if by the one man’s trespass the many died, how much more have the grace of God and the gift which comes through the grace of the one man Jesus Christ overflowed to the many.
—Romans 5:15
When I’m in the throes of hospital visits and errands and trying to make the best of every moment, I can forget the truth. Because of Jesus, life is more than survival or death. It is eternal (vv.20–21).
These days since my grandfather’s death, I’ve been thinking about how, as a Christian, I live a life marked by beautiful disagreement. Even when it seems death is the only option, the life and light of Christ find a way to break through. Even when 21 shots are fired and a flag is folded graveside, there is still hope. Even as we watched the setting sun one last time together, we saw the beauty in the darkness.
Even in death, grace reigns.
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52 thoughts on "Death Through Adam and Life Through Christ"
God knows what you need. I had no idea that when I stared this bible study that I would be putting my mom on hospice and truly walking this road to death. My mom has served God and is truly leaving me and those around her a true legacy on servitude. It shows in the support we are receiving from the community and the church family.
Praying for you this morning. I noticed your post was only 3 months ago, so whatever has happened is still recent. I pray that God has shown you hope through Christ and peace that surpasses our human understanding.
I can’t imagine how difficult that was and still is. I’m sure he knew you were there, and sometimes not a lot needs to be said. You being there for him always in person and just a phone call away I’m sure meant the world to him. I’m a nurse and work in transplant and artificial hearts. It’s amazing to me how many people are on their own through their illnesses. I honestly feel that those who have loved ones tend to cope much better than those who do not. Praying for you and your family
Wow that days message and scripture was powerful and beautiful. Even in death, grace reigns. Amen.
As painful as the process of death can be both physically and for those left behind after a loved one passes I am reminded that for the Believer we are promised to be absent from the body we will be in the presence of God.
Some friends of ours recently suffered a pregnancy loss and while I am heartbroken for them and praying for them, it also brings back memories of losses my husband and I experienced before we had our daughter. While death is a part of life, it can feel unfair when death happens before they even got to start living. But I try to remind myself that those little souls basically “woke up” for the first time in heaven. I can’t imagine what that experience would be like for someone who doesn’t have that belief and assurance that God loves is and our eternal life with him is guaranteed by faith. There is still grief and sadness but also hope and comfort.
This was such a beautiful illustration of today’s scriptures. There is beauty in the darkness. Even in death, grace reigns. Amen!
Sometimes, we live so deeply rooted in our fallen, fragile reality that we forget there is another better, truer one. So so good.
Even in death, Grace reigns. Oh how I need this during this season of aging family members
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@Sharon, Jersey Girl- thank you for sharing this beautiful story! I pray that I look at death as a win win too!!
This devotional was beautifully written.
Traci G, I echo what Kimberly Z said! Praying for you. May you be filled with His comfort, peace, and anything else that you need today!
Praying for all of you whether it be for wisdom, healing, help, deliverance, strength, peace, joy, hope, opportunity, and protection this day! Amen
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“As a Christian, I live a life marked by beautiful disagreement”. Amen to this wonderful insight. A life marked with beautiful disagreement. Oh so many. I read the scriptures today and I had no idea that I would be brought to tears going through the devotional. I had no idea. What a heartfelt & intimate connection, not just with God today, but with you dear she’s. The battle with grief is meant to be shared. Thank you Melissa!
@TRACI: praying for you. As I read through the devo, I was thinking of you immediately. I asked myself if this was the journey Traci must have gone through… and I started sobbing for half an hour. I saw your note. Hugs to you. Prayers for our other dear she’s who have been dealing with grief and loss of loved ones. May new mercy and new strength be given to you each day.❤️
@HL: praying for your job and conversation with boss tomorrow. May God grant you what you hope for!
@SEARCHING:❤️
@VICTORIA E,GRAMSIESUE and other she’s with anxiety and depression battles: praying for complete freedom and healing for the mind, soul and spirit, for abundant joy and peace to overtake you.
I will go back to read more prayer requests and I will pray as I see them.
Praying this verse over you all, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever–forsake not the works of Your own hands.”
Psalm 138:8
May God perfect anything concerning you according to this promise.
Be blessed dear sisters❤️❤️❤️!
@Heather Landers praying for your family during this time. After going through something similar with my own grandpa I feel your family’s sadness. @TRACI GENDRON praying for you today! You were a great mom to Tanner even on the days you felt like you were escaping. Hang in There.
@Heather Landers praying for your family during this time. After going through something similar with my own grandpa I feel
Such a stunning devotional, thank you Melissa ❤️ prayers for you all
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I know that some of you saw my request for prayer regarding job concerns a few days ago. If you think of it please pray as I have a conversation with my boss tomorrow AM
ERICA CHIARELLI, loved your comment!! Free of these mortal shells!! Yes!!!
Gods timing is always perfect. I am struck by the number of our SHE’s who are in the process of watching a loved one die or planning funerals. God knew just the devotion we, as a community, needed. I was a hospice chaplain, and I was with many people and their families when they died. Oh, what a difference when the dying and family are Believers. The fear is gone. The sadness is there, but there’s also the precious knowledge that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Even with lots of experience ministering during times of death, when my own mother died during Covid, it was a completely different experience for me. There are many things I think about that occurred during those agonizing days and nights. But two of them stand out to me. A couple of days before her death, we were playing her favorite hymns and singing along. What a sweet time of sharing with my sister and our mom. Between songs, I asked my mom who she thought she would see first when she got to heaven. In a strong voice we hadn’t heard in days, she said, “My Lord and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” No doubts there! Those words bring me a lot of comfort when I’m missing my mom and struggling through the day. On the day she died, she hadn’t been communicating, and I was alone with her. I was telling her what a wonderful mother she had been and that I knew I wouldn’t have made it through some of the bad times in my life without her and her strength. She spoke very softly and I could barely hear her, and said, “You’re stronger than you think you are.” I hold onto those words now. They were the last words my mother spoke to me.
I’m praying for all the requests, and hugging all of you experiencing death in your families now.
Dear Traci, sending you hugs and prayers for peace. Lynne from Alabama, my dad had his reversed, he hated it so much that he tried to pretend it wasn’t there and would have nothing to do with it. It made his last year so much more comfortable and for his caregivers too!
Sisters may you feel the grace of our savior pouring down over you today.
I read this devotional with a knot in my stomach and holding back tears. I was able to spend lots of time with Tanner, but mostly taking care of his home once he no longer could. Doctors appointments, etc. I did sit with him, but I wish I would have done it more. I think I was in escape mode of knowing what was coming. It was just too big to think of losing my son. The last week was little conversation. I could tell it was too much for him to even talk. Once he went into the hospital they put him on a ventilator. He did tell me he had enjoyed his life. I’m sorry, but this is just too hard for me today.
Even in death God’s grace reigns.
From Melissa’s friend, “We labor into this world and we labor out of it.”, reached deep into my heart. Such a poignant observation. Like so many She’s, I’ve welcomed new life into this world and held vigil while dear ones departed. Each entrance and each departure has worked towards strengthening and building my trust in God’s goodness and leading. So grateful that Christ has brought us into righteous and grace.
Good morning sweet SRT sisters! Thank you for your prayers for Jack’s appointments on Tuesday. Even though we are not doing any treatment for his cancer due to his dementia, we are considering reversing his illeostomy if possible. This is a quality of life issue. Life with “the bag” is torment for him and me. Please pray for wisdom for his doctors and that if this is the right thing to do, we can get this reversed.
I am praying today for RHONDA J, DAWN HARSHBERGER, CHARLIE, KARRIE, B, MERCY, KIMBERLY Z, PAM C, TERESA DONLEY, KRISTINE LOUGHMAN, CHEYENNE K, MARI V, SEARCHING, all our sisters with anxiety/depression, all our sisters with children who don’t know the Lord, and each and every request that has been mentioned. Love you all!!!
Sweet She’s, I’m posting a separate comment. I did not want to take away from today’s beautiful devotional. I was so moved. I am asking for prayer again. I did it! I took a step of faith again. On Monday there was a new post for a job opportunity in-house for a paraprofessional. Because of that college course I took last fall, I now have enough units and qualify. Please join me in prayer for God’s will. If it’s meant for me to get that position, God will give it to me. If not God will give me the strength, courage, and ability to continue where I am. Presently, I’ve been transparent here, and I may be repeating myself, but I haven’t been very happy in my current Position and it’s not because of the children. The children is what keeps me at my current job. Don’t want get into details just asking to join me in prayer. 
Good morning She’s. Happy Thursday! It’s a beautiful and cool morning here in sunny California. I’m assuming most folks are enjoying it as a heat will get here soon, but y’all know I love the heat.
Was very moved by today’s devotional. It was painful but beautiful at the same time. “Even in death, grace reigns”. Thank you Jesus!
This is such a great example of dying well with anticipation of eternal life. We don’t get a lot of this in our culture. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for sharing your story about your time with your grandpa. I’m so glad you had those beautiful moments with him before he passed and I’m sure he appreciated his special time with you. I could totally relate to those feelings and moments you were having from different people in my life who have passed. It is a heart wrenching time going through that, but what helped me go through each day was knowing that this life isn’t all there is and the verses today remind us of that. ❤️️
“Because of Jesus, life is more than survival or death. It is eternal. Even in death, grace reigns.” Just two days ago my husband did the funeral of a man who died 3 days shy of his 60th birthday. Five weeks ago he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and now he’s gone. We visited him in the hospital about 2 weeks before he died. He was a believer. When my husband asked him how he was doing with all he was going through, and knowing that his cancer was fatal his reply – “It’s a win win situation. If I get another 6 months or a year, that’s great, if I don’t, then I go to heaven, I’ll be with Jesus and I get to be reunited with all my relatives that went before me, it’s a win win.” Oh how I pray that when my time comes, I will pass to the next life with that attitude – it’s a win, win situation – confident and without fear.
@Charlie and anyone else who is walking with someone who is facing death – may God give peace and His abundant grace. Praying for your mother-in-law to pass without pain, and for you and the rest of her family.
May each of us be thankful today for the life and breathe that God has granted us to live another day. May we make the most of our day – for His glory, and may we all be a reflection of the Son. So thankful to be a part of this community!
Quick note for Victoria E: I learned early on to take my anti-depressant at bedtime. The side effects (fuzzy head, etc) were while I was sleeping so didn’t affect my days. I have been trying to slowly wean off of them over the last couple of years and am finally down to half of what I was taking. Praying you can get everything under control
Hugs and prayers for all! I have such a list on prayer cards that I usually spend 20-30 minutes praying for everyone. ❤️
It is life changing to see someone you love pass, even going to a funeral and seeing a lifeless body. Then all the sudden you are slammed with the thoughts of life and death, and the purpose of it all. Luckily with my mom, she assured me she was READY to go be with our Heavenly Father. She said it routinely, then a month or two before she got sick, then as I was with her in the hospital, which came suddenly and unexpectedly, she proclaimed “I am ready to go to Heaven!” That night as we were talking in the hospital room, we thought she had had a miraculous miracle, after being taken to the emergency room from not breathing, and then to being off the ventilator and sitting up eating and talking, we had released the breath we all had been holding. But then the next day she went down hill, and a day or so later we knew we needed to say our goodbyes. It was heart wrenching to watch my dad, grand-kids, and us siblings taking our turn to say a lifetime of thoughts in a quick 10 minute communication. The following days you have to pick out the casket and all the details that come, going through pictures, but I had such a peace knowing that she was sure of heaven ….in fact was READY to go meet Jesus!! She knew it was the greatest gift EVER, she knew we were meant for an eternal home. Blessed Assurance. That is what WE know with a relationship with Jesus!! He is mine.
We have to live with zest to share him, to tell our story with earnest, and point to the fact, that we ALL die and it could be later, or sooner, today even. Does my family know I am going to heaven, heck yea they do! They may not believe, but they know I am certainly a believer. They would know it by conversations with me, by cleaning out my house, by selling my car…it shows all over my life! This is not to boast…this is to boast in Jesus, the glory to him and the significance that he is to me! We were born to sin…thank you God for giving us a way to freedom, the chains were broken. It IS the best news ever! Sometimes I feel like the lady at the well, running back to town telling of the man she met…and that she was one way, and then after him she was another way, and the difference was him!! Amen.
As someone with chronic pain for almost 20 years, I know I am healed through Jesus. Our old, worn out, broken bodies will be made NEW and PERFECT…I long for that as well, as I praise my Savior for his gift. I have had lots of pain yesterday and this morning, and can always use prayer beautiful She’s! And I am praying for your requests!
Reading this made me realize, sadly, death is a mercy. Like when God kicked Adam and Eve out of the Garden so they could not eat the Tree of Life and be stuck in these bodies forever… Death allows us to be free of these mortal shells. I hope this is a comfort to someone and not morbid! I’m not advocating death, more just looking at it with new eyes. God is good in all He does, always faithful!
Adam sinning, his nature became guilty and corrupted, and so came to his children. So in him all have sinned. And death is by sin; for death is the wages of sin.
“Because of Jesus, life is more than survival or death. It is eternal.”
– loved this devotional. So heartfelt.
@Charlie- thankful for this timely devotional for you. I pray that your family and mother-in-law have peace that surpasses understanding and that you all process your emotions as they come. May everything point to Jesus and may you keep in heart the hope we have, so you can display it as you also feel sorrow. God bless your family and may God comfort you now and in the days ahead. <3
Watching both of my parents die taught me that we truly live in a earthly shell. Once we die our spirits are set free to live eternally with Jesus. We just have to accept His free gift of redemption. So thankful for all He has done for us!
This is such a sweet devotional, very honoring. Hits home for me as our family reckons with my dad’s dementia diagnosis and suspected Parkinson’s. My anchor in all of this is my faith in Jesus. For us, the best is yet to come!
Did I ever need this one today, as we wait for “the life and light of Christ find a way to break through.” My mother-in-law is in her final days; perhaps even today will be the day. The years of dementia have taken her mind, and now her body is ready, too. She’s not had food nor drink in a week and has been sleeping mostly calmly for a few days. She’s on the cusp, hovering between life and death. Life and eternity. Here and gone from our sight.
I like to imagine God reaching out his hand, smoothing back her hair, and saying, “It’s time, dear child. All things are ready.” Prayers appreciated for her peaceful passing.
DEA— sending much love and hugs for comfort. What I love about devotionals is that God always gives us something we need for the day. May the words you read today bring you comfort as you say goodbye to your grandpa, and may you rejoice knowing that in His grace, he now has eternal life.
The rich truth of Romans is so grounding to our faith.
Oh Father that all come to know Jesus as their Savior and eternal life follows through Grace. I pray strongly for those on my heart. In Jesus name, Amen
I like how Paul compares Adam to Jesus. One man starts the story, the other finishes the story. Adam reminds us of everything we are (human, sinner, destined to fall short at every turn). Jesus shows us everything we should strive for.
I love all the things Romans teaches us! The contrasts between darkness and light and goodness verses evil. The hope in Christ and all that salvation offers us. The rich and unending love of the father towards us. I like your comments @Kelly (NEO). I choose life and commit to walk with the Lord. One day at a time…every day.
MELISSA ZALDIVAR – Your words perfectly addressed part of my conversation with God this morning before I read your devo or the Bible passages. “Sometimes, we live so deeply rooted in our fallen, fragile reality that we forget there is another better, truer one.”
Through one man’s disobedience, all face death.
Through one man’s obedience, all who CHOOSE eternal life will have it through the grace and forgiveness offered to all.
Whew. The devotionals this week have touched tender places in my heart and have brought to mind the many losses over the past several years, especially those times when I was doing the next right/necessary/required thing one minute at a time, and my repeated prayer of Lord, help me! Looking back, He did help me – many times in subtle ways, inner strength when I ran out, wisdom for decisions or choices when I could barely pull a thought together.
The eternal hope brought by Christ’s sacrifice – to God be the glory!
B – Praying for you! for healing of health issues, peace & guidance in relational challenges, wisdom in reaching out to resources – as KELLY (NEO) mentioned, pastor or counselor referral. ❤️
Praying for:
MELANIE – Julianna, for relief from anxiety and awareness of source, peace in her heart and mind, much needed rest for her each night.
MERCY – ❤️ peace with job application
AIMEE ROGERS – your friend’s situation
KRYSTLE SCOTT – a revived spirit
TERESA DONLEY – healing of ongoing depression.
ERICA CHRISTIAN – comfort in your grief
KRISTINE LOUGHMAN – healing of foot, relief from anxiety
CHEYENNE K – healing, and restored hope
ANNIE – relief from anxiety
JEN B – employment opportunities, and wisdom as you decide future of relationship. Agree with RHONDA J (from my own experience) to carefully and prayerfully seek the Lord’s guidance and leading.
MARY ANN GRAVES – your needs
KELLY (NEO) – ❤️
CEE GEE – ❤️
VICTORIA E – thankful for some relief from symptoms
PAMC – good to see you
Being a nurse taught me that God is in charge, and the people of labored and taken care are on his list. During covid I helplessly watch. I was one of the nurses who allowed loved ones to say the things they needed to say. So touched by her devotional……
Melissa, thank you for sharing so intimately. I was deeply touched by your words and the way that they so beautifully illuminate today’s verses. Our Heavenly Father love’s us so deeply and our love for each other is a small but very poignant reminder of His love. A love that gives eternal life!
1 Corinthians 15:21-22
**Yes!! AMEN!!!! Thank You God!!!!
Romans 5:18-19
**SUCH a great reminder!! It gives such HOPE and points us toward God and Jesus’ living example!! If we do as God is asking, when He is asking it, there is a never-ending ripple effect that takes place!! Each act of obedience and listening changes the entire world!!! Just let that sink in… each choice and each act… Wow! Lord help us to listen and obey!! Help us Lord to keep our hearts tuned to You and our eyes fixed & focused on You. For it is through You alone that our destiny has been changed and it is through You alone that grace and mercy are made possible!! Thank You Father for Your willingness and for Your faithfulness!!! SO Grateful!!
Have a beautiful Holy Spirit-filled and led day!! May we find much joy in Him!! He knows, sees and answers ALL!!! Amen.
Such a somber and powerful devotional. I found it really helpful to list the contrasting language between Adam and Jesus in today’s reading. Adam: sin, death, judgement, condemnation. Jesus: gift, grace, righteousness, life, justification, eternal life.
Nice tribute to your grandfather, Melissa.
This stood out to me (a bit of a tangent) “But the gift is not like the trespass.”
Indeed it is not. I inherited the trespass (sinful nature) without a choice. The gift (justification/imputed righteousness), although freely given and available to all, I must choose and commit to walk in every day.
MELANIE – praying you find a godly counselor to help your daughter cope with her anxiety. My 12-year-old niece has been helped greatly by one and the temporary use of medication.
VICTORIA E – so sorry to hear you are struggling.
B – so sorry for your situation. Can you talk with your pastor? If not, perhaps you could call the help line from Focus on the Family to get a referral to a local godly counselor.
AIMEE ROGERS ‐ praying for your friend’s complicated situation. May the Lord show Himself strong in his/her life.
Beautiful. I lost my grandpa and FIL last year so the devotional resonates.