One of the distinctive marks of Christians in the early centuries was that they died differently from others. Even when they were martyred for their faith, they died with such courage and hope that sometimes their executioners became Christians.

Jesus faced his death with courage and hope because he knew that God would raise him from the dead. And the same goes for all those who are trusting in Jesus as their Savior. God has promised us that we, too, will be raised from the dead some day and enjoy eternal life with Jesus.

One of the most amazing lessons I have learned as a pastor is the courageous and hopeful way that many Christians die. They are not frightened by the prospect of death in their final moments on earth.

Many of us wonder if that is really true. We feel like cowards and have minimal tolerance for pain and suffering. We doubt that we can face death well and therefore dread the prospect of dying. Let me assure you that God gives us grace when we need it. If we are not dying today, we don’t need dying grace. Jesus knew that God would be there for him when the time came for him to die and that same confidence can be ours. If we are trusting in Jesus as our Savior, we can be assured that God will supernaturally help us to face every difficulty and pain – even when we are facing death itself.