Isn't it rather audacious to address death directly, as if it were standing before you? Paul does it. And he does it out of the deep conviction that death has lost. For Jesus has risen. That changes everything.
Paul encountered the risen Christ personally. Therefore, he had a completely different understanding of the resurrection than many do today. Resurrection means: Death is defeated. This results in the bold cry of jubilation with which Paul confronts death with its defeat: “Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55) The answer is: “Nowhere, they are history!” We could thus continue: “Death, your game is over, you have lost, you have nothing more to say. Death, your power is gone, you can no longer harm me, you no longer frighten me!”
Young people might say, "That's a good message, but death is still a long way off, and life lies ahead of me!" Perhaps. And yet, two things are true. First, the power of Jesus' resurrection is already at work today, and we are allowed to recognize it more and more (Philippians 3:10). Second, He who can overcome death can overcome everything else. If we can laugh at death, then we can do the same with all other problems, because Jesus has the victory. With regard to Jesus, it's true: Whoever can achieve great victories can also achieve small ones. Whoever can solve big problems can also tackle small ones. Whoever can overcome great obstacles can also overcome the small ones. He who has conquered death cannot be stopped by anything. That is our God, that is our Jesus. We can rely on Him. Hallelujah!
My grandmother, who has been with the Lord for a long time, was a role model for me. When difficulties arose before her, she would pray: "Lord, now I am eager to see how you will solve this!"
Not whether, but how. That is faith.
Not how I want it, but how you do it. That, too, is part of faith.
Not anxiously gazing into an uncertain future, but eagerly anticipating that God will bring his power into play: faith.
Those who pray in this way only need to keep their eyes open to when and how God's help appears. Then it will come.
