The Apostle Paul did not view death as an unpredictable enemy. Instead of fearing accident or illness, he spoke about his departure from this world as a conscious choice.

From a Roman prison cell, Paul writes:

"For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you." Philippians 1:23-24 (NKJV)

Paul faced a dilemma. He knew that leaving his physical body to be with Christ was far better. Yet he looked at the needs of the church and decided to stay. Resurrection life filled him so completely that death could not claim him without his consent. He remained on earth until he finished his course.

As a believer, you have that same resurrection life in your mortal body. You are not helpless, and you do not have to live in fear of an early grave. You can trust God to satisfy you with a full life. You have the authority to finish the work God gave you to do.

Death does not have the authority to decide when your work is finished; you do.