A Wonderful Message

They both have been battling cancer.  Both have endured similar struggles that often accompany the disease.  They are sisters – in Christ (Galatians 3:26-27).  They even share almost identical names: JoAnn and Joan (also pronounced "Jo-Ann").

One (JoAnn) finished her courageous battle with cancer in death yesterday.  The other (Joan) continues to fight her battle with a strong faith and a marvelous attitude.

When the realization came that JoAnn's struggle was drawing to a close, she sent a message to her fellow-sufferer and friend, Joan.  The message was communicated through their sons who graduated high school together.  The message was one of faith and hope.  The message was brief but powerful.  JoAnn told Joan that…

"Everything's gonna be okay."

How can everything be okay when you're facing the trials – even the life-threatening storms – of life?  JESUS would love for you to know…

Everything is gonna be okay because Jesus died on the cross for our sins.  God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to accomplish a special mission: to provide salvation from sin.  For this reason Jesus died on the cross as payment for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2; 4:9-10).  His blood covers the debt of our sin when we in faith (Acts 16:30-31) and repentance (Acts 17:30-31) are baptized (immersed) into Christ (Acts 2:38; 22:16) and continue to follow Him faithfully (1 John 1:7).

Everything is gonna be okay because Jesus rose from the dead.  "He was delivered over to death for our sins," but He "was raised to life for our justification" (Romans 4:25).  By His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus defeated death and won the decisive victory over the one who "had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Hebrews 2:14).  His resurrection guarantees our own resurrection when He returns (1 Corinthians 15).  Because of Jesus, death does not have the final word!

Everything is gonna be okay because Jesus is preparing a place for the faithful child of God.  Jesus' disciples were troubled with the news of His departure.  He comforted them saying, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:1-3).  

Thomas was confused about the way.  "How can we know the way?" he asked.  Jesus said, "I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).

Thank you, JoAnn, for reminding Joan and the rest of us that everything IS gonna be okay because Jesus IS the Way – the way to forgiveness and eternal life in a wonderful place called Heaven.

YOU can also have this assurance if you will trust and obey Christ. 

Won't YOU?

David A. Sargent, Minister