Can You See Past It?

Karen Watson was after more.

As a pre-Christian, she lived her life in search of the next thrill - out of her passion for life. Once she became a Christian she didn't slow down - just changed her direction. Her friends commented on how she lived life "flat out" and how she only had one speed "100 mph."

She was hard after God's attention when she died, the victim of terrorist's bullets in Iraq. Working as a Southern Baptist missionary among the poor in Jordan and Iraq, she had given and given without any thought for herself. "I know there are Jordanians and Iraqis today who are weeping," said a fellow aid worker. "She is a woman who is going to be remembered as Iraqis and Jordanians hold up the things she did and say: 'Look what she did for us.'"

Her brother stood at the gravesite the other day, and looked over Karen's coffin remembering easier days, when his sister used to spend her time as lots of little girls do, collecting trinkets in what she called her "hope chest."

"What we have here before us today is a hope chest," he said, "something of value, not a coffin or a casket."

How could he possibly say that?

He believes in Christ.

Romans 6:8 (Msg)
What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ's sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection.

We get included in Christ's victory when we believe in His role as God's Son, admit our sins are separating us from God, and embracing His forgiveness, commit our lives to following Him.

Though Karen died that day in Iraq, because of her faith in Jesus Christ, she was included in the company of those who though they die, will live forever in heaven with Christ.

That is the sure and certain hope we have through the example of Jesus' resurrection.

That's why Karen's brother could see past the grave - he could see the future through the frame of an empty tomb's opening.

How do you view this world? What frame do you use? The fact is, we all will die.

Don't you want more than this life can give? Friends, Karen was one among millions who have followed the footsteps of Jesus Christ. They lead to the grave - and past it. Can you see that?

Grace!

David Wilson

This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.