By THE SPIRIT Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4:
13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
The word ignorance means “the lack of knowledge or information”. As we learn to trust in FATHER we will increase in peace, hope, and comfort. In order to dwell in peace we must fully embrace FATHER’S promises conveyed to us in HIS Word. Our unbelief is what keeps us from walking in peace on a daily basis. When our loved ones pass away we must hold on to this mystery Paul refers to in the above passage. They are not permanently gone but now live in a different realm. Though we will generally no longer interact with them in our current state, we must not lose hope that we will once again be reunited in another realm or dispensation. If we can truly grasp this Truth then our grieving process when they depart will turn into joy. In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus spoke:
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Mourning is the process of emotionally releasing our loved one. As we are able to embrace the above Truth, we are able to fully release that person and look forward to our reunion in the future. If we truly believe FATHER raised Jesus from the dead then we must also trust HIM to raise all who pass away for Jesus died for all the world. FATHER’S Love is greater than any obstacle to the fullness of life, even death. Let us embrace HIS Word in order that we can remain in peace as we encounter death.
As we renew our minds in HIS Word, we transition to that peace that surpasses our mind’s understanding. It is critically important we acknowledge that mankind does not have all the answers and revelation of all the mysteries in this realm. Knowing this reality, we must place our trust in FATHER for there is nothing beyond HIS knowledge and understanding. As we do and walk according to HIS SPIRIT, we will attain to a new level of peace and the chaos surrounding us will not be able to rob us of that peace. In Philippians 4, Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT:
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
As this peace guards our hearts and minds, anxiety diminishes to zero and we accept any delays or hindrances to our plans as being a part of HIS Plan for now we walk in the assurance of being led by HIM and we know HE is well aware of the challenges before us. We must not fear or be anxious about physical death but understand that it is an integral part of life. Physical death isn’t the end but only a point of transition for if it wasn’t, FATHER would not have revealed this mystery to us through HIS Son and HIS SPIRIT.
Let us not discount the Blood of Christ in our understanding concerning those who have fallen asleep. The Blood that saved us will also raise us from the dead which is equally important. As Paul stated by THE SPIRIT in 1 Corinthians chapter 15:
20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.
24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.
25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.
26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
All enemies of life are subject to FATHER’S Divine Intent of Love. Let us immerse ourselves in HIS Love and our peace, hope, and comfort will dissipate fear, grief, and anxiety.