Free from the Power of Death

"Higher than the mountains that I face. Stronger than the power of the grave."  

One Thing Remains, Jesus Culture

This is just one of the many worship songs we sing at church that mention how Jesus freed us from the power of death.  The writers are referring to his removing eternal death from us, and giving us eternal life.  I have a completely different understanding of it when I sing these songs at church.  After having walked through losing someone so close to you- and I have lost 3 within 2 years: dad, husband, sister. There is a power that death holds on you.  Its not my personal death awaiting me that I refer to.  Its the grief, the sadness, the way death devastated life as I knew it.  Life was one way, the death happened, and now it is completely different. Life will never be able to return to its previous state, because death is permanent.  It has a life altering power over you.  It causes you to cry at random times. Brings a sadness over you that no one can penetrate.  It brings guilt, regrets, and "if I'd only...".


But Jesus broke the power of death!  "Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil."  (Hebrews 2:14) He has authority over death and gave it to me!  I no longer am subject to the effects that death has on those left behind.  "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).  Death comes with a purpose- to destroy.  And in a lot of ways death of a spouse destroys our lives.  But Jesus said He came to give us a full life! No, I will not be destroyed. I will not give death power over me. I am subject to the abundant life Jesus promised! I can walk in joy.  I can have peace.  Yes life is different, it will never be the same. But God promises to take us from glory to glory.  So the next chapter of my life, when it arrives is going to be amazing- he says so.   "But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.' But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God" (1 Cor 2:9-10).

"In death, in life, I'm confident and covered by the power of your great love!"

When I sing these words I praise God for the progress I've made, the good that he has brought out of a horrible situation, the peace I feel, the strength I've gained, the way I have learned to live on my own, the new blessings I enjoy that I wouldn't have ever experienced had I not walked this path.  Death has no power over me! Through Jesus I have the upper hand over it. I chose to let God make a miracle out of me!

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