Sting Of Death

     When i was young, I tried to deny the reality of death. It happened at my mother's funeral. Seeing her lifeless body in the casket, I recall thinking, If that should  ever happen to me, I'll just get up and walk away.


     I am now 32, and I look at death differently. I've seen many funerals. I've said farewell to my sister, my uncles and relatives. I can no longer deny the harsh reality of death. It rips apart life's closest bonds, leaves hearts broken, ushers in loneliness, and opens floodgates of tears. Using pleasant-sounding words and calling funeral services "celebrations" do not change that.

     There is greater reality, though, that can give us the will to go on living with hope. Jesus Christ broke the power of death. He did "get up and walk away" from the grave. And one day this "last enemy," as Paul called it, will be destroyed forever;
     "The last enemy to be destroyed is death." - 1 Corinthians 15:26
     Paul said it like this;
     When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1Corinthians 15:54-57


     

Run With-Out Legs

     James Martinson was then a teenager. He had one dream - to someday be on the US Downhill Ski Team. But the army drafted him and sent him to Vietnam, where he suffered a severe injury from a land mine, resulting in the loss of both his legs. He became hateful toward people and toward God, abused alcohol and drugs, and even considered suicide.

     Then James met several Christians who explained how Christ could change him. Initially he didn't believe them, but finally he invited Christ into his life. He recalls, "I didn't get my legs back, but I began to experience something new from the inside."

     Eager to share Christ, He started working with teenagers.
     "Come run with us!" the teenagers begged.
     He answered, " I can't. I don't have legs."
     "You've got a wheelchair," they replied.

     This was the start of his wheelchair racing, a challenge that eventually made him a big-time winner. People often ask, "Was it wheelchair marathoning that changed you life?" He answers with no conviction, "No, it was Jesus Christ."

     Feeling like a loser? Turn your faith to Jesus Christ. Then accept the apostle Paul's challenge to run for the prize of an eternal trophy (1 Corinthians 9:24) Jesus will not only transform your losses into gains, but He'll transform you!