Death Has No Sting

Death Has No Sting

By Leann Albrecht

As many of you know, the South was hit with the worst tornado outbreak in recent history where over 350 were killed. It is hard to fathom the magnitude of such a tragedy. It is even more riveting when it takes the lives of ones you love. Our dear friends, Mike and Tina Forrest, were among the fatalities in Ohatchee, AL that day. Here are Mike’s final Facebook posts right before an F4 picked up their house and hurled them into the lake.

Michael T Forrest – the weather is looking like we might make it to the land of OZ later tonight…April 27 at 6:14pm

Michael T Forrest – batteries, flashlights, radio, lantern, I.D.’s, etc. in center bathroom…fresh pot of coffee…we’re ready! April 27 at 6:32pm

Jo Dodson -Michael, you think of everything. The only thing I would have remembered was the coffee.  April 27 at 6:34pm ·

Jo Dodson -Now, the ID thing is kind of a downer! Hope you don’t have to use it. Take care my friend April 27 at 6:36pm

Michael T Forrest -Thanks. Jesus is callin’ the shots-AMEN! ;<) We have angels to protect us, or usher us into heaven. HA! No fear here!  April 27 at 6:39pm

Jo Dodson -Now thats an attitude that I like! April 27 at 6:40pm

Michael T Forrest -Sirens across road going off…very loud!  April 27 at 6:50pm

Michael T Forrest -If I drop off line…either our power has gone off, or I’m with the ONE who holds all the POWER ;<)   April 27 at 6:52p

Michael T Forrest -Sirens going off again in all surrounding counties….very dark outside….hard rain   April 27 at 6:53pm

Michael T Forrest -No more winds…hmmmmm?   April 27 at 6:55pm

Michael T Forrest– Gotta go…tornado for sure    April 27 at 6:56pm

Doug Brewer -Hold on tight   April 27 at 7:12pm

Jo Dodson -Michael, you there?   April 27 at 8:41pm

Mike’s sister, Linda, wrote: I’ve never known anyone in my life who was always enthusiastically resolved to see Jesus as Mike.  At many family gatherings, in the midst of wonderful meals and belly laughs, Mike would say, “Wow, this is how it’s going to be in heaven, and we’ll get to do this all the time!” He tailored his responses and interactions with people to reflect his love of the Lord, or to give the Lord credit and glory for everything…..

I was so comforted to learn that when their daughter, Jessica, first viewed their bodies at the funeral home,  Mike and Tina still had smiles on their faces.  I can hear Mike chuckling, “Haha, I’m so glad to be out of that shell of a body!”………

This is a trauma, but not a devastation.  A sadness, but not without God’s comfort because of His love that is unfathomable and immeasurable.

Mike once said, ” When you leave this earth, you’ll just be changing where you worship!” We know that Mike and Tina are in heaven right now and they are worshipping,  laughing and living around the throne. They are living their dream.

You might wonder what good could possibly come from such a loss and how Romans 8:28 fits into this reality? It says, And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (NLT)

Here’s a perfect example of God following through on His promise. As a result of Mike and Tina’s death, 36 people got saved at their funeral and church services. Who knew that would ever happen? God did!

First of all, we know that God is a good God.  He is only capable of doing good things. The other force on this earth is Satan and he is only capable of doing bad things. When God allows bad things to happen, He has a plan in mind. We only see God’s plan in part but God sees all things completely.

Isaiah 55:8-9 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.  “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.  For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. ” (NLT)

It’s in those moments of tragedy that we have to trust the Lord is working all things for our good even if we don’t comprehend them. He is faithful, trustworthy and all His promises are true. There are no exceptions.

Death is a part of life and it can be viewed as something to dread or something to look forward to. I was at my father’s side when he passed away eight years ago. It was a glorious moment I will never forget. In fact, the story in it’s entirety is in the chapter Crossing Over in my book Screaming On The Inside. I find comfort in Isaiah 57:1–2: Good people are taken away, but no one understands. Those who do right are being taken away from evil and are given peace. Those who live as God wants find rest in death. (NCV).

We also know that our days on earth are numbered by the Lord. Psalms 139:16 All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old. (NCV)

I Corinthians 15:54-55When this body that decays is changed into a body that cannot decay, and this mortal body is changed into a body that will live forever, then the teaching of Scripture will come true:

Death is turned into victory!

Death, where is your victory?

Death, where is your sting?”

If Jesus does not return in the next 100 years, everyone who reads this post will face death at some point in your life. Are you ready? Do you know where you will spend eternity? If you are not sure, today is the day to make that decision.  Jesus’ gift of salvation is free. He bore your sins on the cross 2000 years ago. All you need to do is receive it.  Salvation is this easy!! Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe with your heart that God raised Him for the dead, you will be saved.

I look forward to seeing you on the other side…and when the time comes for me to cross over, I want to face it as courageously and fearlessly as Mike and Tina did.