Live like your are dying... we hear it in songs, we hear it as a popular
saying, but what does it really mean? Why and how should we live like we are
dying?

If dying means eternal life in Christ because you have put your faith and
trust in God's promises, then it is a joyful ending to look forward to. It
represents victory and a hope of perfect fulfillment, freedom from
hardship and pain. This is the place we look forward to as Christians - a
place we are promised.

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

John 5:24

"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me
has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death
to life."

John 14:2

"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told
you. I am going there to prepare a place for you."

In light of this truth, we can rejoice today knowing victory awaits us, no
matter what the circumstances we face, no matter what situation we are in.
We can boldly face our obstacles, because we know that they will not
overtake us. That in the end we will win. This releases us from fear...
fear of death, fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of hardship, fear
of sickness, fear of losing someone... while we know there will be storms
in life, we must hold steadfast to the fact that the ending is great!

Dying for us means simply a new beginning. Actually, when you become a Christian, you could say that you have already died and started anew...

Colossians 3: 1-3

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."

Phillipians 1: 21-26

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me."

Paul talks about fruitful labor in this life. In my life, I realize that fear sometimes hinders me from bearing fruit and from reaching my highest potential... But I realize that God calls me to cast fear away and trust him, no matter what my circumstances. If you gave your children new bicycles, wouldn't you want them to use the bikes? God wants us to live in light of the great gift of eternal life He has given us!

Part II of this devotional will address breaking away from fear and instead, living in faith...