Not long ago I recall feeling fortunate not to have anyone close to me die.

At the same time, I recognized the end of that sentence really needed one dreadful word: yet.

Although I was unfamiliar with funerals and the grief that comes with death, I knew there would come a time when all that would change. It is inevitable.

Indeed it did change.

Two days ago, my sister whom I have known my entire life, died.

Yesterday, a friend told me that in the time she’d known me, I had lost three important people in my life. It is true. In the last five years I have lost a sister, my father, and now, another sister. I am all out of sisters.

This is a broken world where death reigns. But although that is the way things work here, it’s not the real end to the story. We have another “yet” coming.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away.” (Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭4‬, ‭HCSB‬‬)

God promises life after death.

And not just any old life — a life with Him, filled with beauty, purpose, and joy. An eternal life without the ugliness we ushered in by choosing sin. Through His sacrifice, Jesus conquered death and wiped away our sin.

Even though death still hurts, it has lost its terrible power. Even though it still brings a mountain of pain, longing, and regret, there is an even sturdier mountain of hope that stands tall.

My pain hasn’t been washed away… yet. And I haven’t seen the end of death… yet. I cling to that yet.

Dear God, thank you for your promise to abolish death and all the pain that comes with it. It brings me great comfort now to hope for the future you are preparing for those who accept your gift of forgiveness and love. Teach me how to live according to that future and help me let go of the past.