Life from death—really.

It’s outrageous—or perhaps unkind—to suggest that from death comes life, especially when loss is new, unexpected, or overwhelming.

Yet this is what I experience.

This is what you experience (or can experience), too.

The following story supports this. In Acts 9, we meet Tabitha, a believer who serves her community by providing clothing for those in need. Tabitha (whose Greek name is Dorcas) may contribute to her community in other areas of charity and kindness, but the text specifically mentions her abilities as a seamstress.

It is implied that her community deeply loves her because she is greatly mourned when she dies. In their mourning, those gathered at her deathbed send two for Peter, an apostle who heals in the name of Jesus Christ.

Peter arrives after an unknown amount of time. He speaks the name of Jesus over the body and Tabitha’s life is restored. In fact, I preached this past Sunday that when Tabitha hears her name, she sits up. I shared that we, too, sit up when we hear how God calls us from something that has died in us to life in Him.

Let’s all be aware that this story in Acts 9 may rub someone who has cried out, “I want my loved one back!”

With the rarest of rare exceptions, people who have died do not come back from death. This life from death I am speaking of is not literal—necessarily.

This said, let me be clear. Jesus does bring life from loss. Easter isn’t over. In fact, Easter means that we have new life, new hope and new opportunities every day. This is what I hear in the story of Tabitha, and I invite you to hear this, too.

If we follow Jesus into his resurrection, we, too, will experience life—new life. I don’t know what this ‘life” will be. You won’t either. But it will be life. It will be a gain. Will it be as good or as glorious as what was?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Loss remains, but new life after loss is far more than possible.

I have to share again that this column is going to be a challenge for some of us. My advice from death to life? Go slowly, easily, and gently.

Let me also share there is a prosperity gospel you may have heard about or experienced firsthand. This teaching (and preaching) promises that IF you follow God, all your worries will vanish. This is okay to teach. It is true. Your worries can vanish.

However, to proclaim that all will be as good as new, and that you’ll receive riches beyond measure for following Christ in this lifetime is a challenge. All people who follow Jesus aren’t making 6-figure incomes with blemish-free lives.

Remember this in the face of loss. There is new life. Jesus will do what he does. He will walk with you. He will show you the joys of His life with your steps.

And that is more than enough.