By Floyd Godfrey, PhD

Death Brings Life

In the Christian journey, the principle that the end of one season heralds the beginning of another is profoundly illustrated in the Bible. Jesus himself taught, "Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds" (John 12:24, NIV). Just as seeds must perish to produce new growth, spiritual renewal often arises from loss or suffering.

The ultimate example is Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. His death was not the end but the fulcrum for humanity's salvation. The agony of Good Friday gave way to the triumph of Easter, demonstrating that suffering can lead to unimaginable blessings. Similarly, Christians are called to trust that God's purposes prevail even when it feels like everything has ended.

Loss Precedes Gain

Scripture is filled with stories of endings that ushered in beginnings. Consider Joseph, whose life seemed irreparably broken when he was sold into slavery and later imprisoned. Yet, through these trials, God positioned him to save Egypt and his family from famine (Genesis 50:20). Joseph's hardships were stepping stones to his exalted position, a testimony to the belief that God works through our losses to accomplish His plans.

Naomi and Ruth provide another powerful narrative. Naomi lost her husband and sons, leaving her destitute and grieving. However, through Ruth's loyalty and God's provision, Naomi became part of the lineage that would eventually bring forth Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:13–17). Their story shows that even profound sorrow can become the seedbed for divine purposes.

Suffering Leads to Glory

Paul, the apostle, encapsulates this truth when he declares, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18, NIV). Suffering in a believer's life is not random; it refines, strengthens, and prepares them for a greater revelation of God’s glory. Paul’s own life—marked by imprisonments, beatings, and shipwrecks—ultimately bore fruit in the spread of the Gospel and the writing of much of the New Testament.

New Beginnings in Christ

Becoming a Christian itself embodies this principle. Conversion involves putting to death the old self and being resurrected into a new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Baptism, symbolic of burial and resurrection, reminds believers that endings are intrinsic to the transformative process of faith.

Just as Christ rose, believers can face life's challenges with hope, knowing that God turns mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11). While endings can be painful, they are never final when God is involved. They serve as the prelude to a renewed chapter, brimming with His grace and purpose.

Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed counselor for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey, PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.