By Samantha Nelson … Recently, I have been experiencing a decline in health due to various diseases, some autoimmune, some neurological, and some genetic. I’ve also received new diagnoses for symptoms I’ve had since childhood, which brings a sense of relief, even though the disease itself is incurable. At least there are answers.
In doing research on each of the issues I’m struggling with daily I found three commonalities among them: stroke, heart attack and sudden death. It sounds like a death sentence! Especially since I’ve already had “mini-strokes” and am experiencing heart issues.
I’m sure many readers can relate, as chronic pain, autoimmune disease, cancer, or any of a host of diseases that plague our modern society may be affecting you even as you read this. Some of these diseases can be cured; some can be treated or managed with improved diet/lifestyle or medication; and others simply progress with no known treatment or cure available. For those who are living in these realities, it may also feel like a death sentence and that can be discouraging.
But did you know that all of us are under a death sentence? That’s right! But the difference between our earthly sicknesses and this particular death sentence is twofold, because this death sentence is eternal. Oh, but there is also a cure! Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Thankfully, this text not only reminds us that we are under a death sentence because of our sins, it gives us hope! There is a treatment and a cure for this death sentence—and that cure is Jesus, our Lord and Savior!
No matter what you’re going through, the death sentence you face in this life is temporary. This world will pass away someday soon and our earthly troubles and illnesses will end also. The challenges many face daily with health, finances, marriages, etc., will all come to an end when Jesus returns. However, between now and then, we have a choice to make: will we choose Jesus and allow Him to cleanse us from sin and remove the eternal death sentence from us so we can spend eternity with Him?
That is my choice, and I pray it is yours, too.
–Samantha Nelson is a pastor’s wife who serves alongside her husband, Steve, in NW Wyoming. She is co-founder and CEO of The Hope of Survivors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting victims of clergy sexual abuse and providing educational seminars to clergy of all faiths. She and Steve love traveling, hiking in the mountains, and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. Photo by pixabay.
