The Apostle Paul did not view death as an unpredictable enemy that could seize him at any moment. He did not live in fear of a sudden accident or a terminal illness. He spoke about his departure from this world as a conscious choice.

Writing from a Roman prison cell, he weighed his options.

"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 was in 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. He was so filled with resurrection life that death could not simply claim him without his consent. He remained on earth until he could say he had finished his course.

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

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