God Can Bring a “Resurrection” to our “Deaths”

Recently I heard Phil Wickham’s song “Sunday is Coming” which was released just before Easter this year. The song speaks the message that Jesus’ death is good because it’s followed by his resurrection (“Friday’s good cause Sunday is coming, Don’t lose hope cause Sunday is coming”^[1]). The significance is that death wasn’t the end (“They laid Him down inside that grave, but that wasn’t the end…”^[2].

It’s a perfect Easter song, but after hearing it, a couple of other situations came to mind that made me think of the song. A number of people I know are experiencing a variety of losses. The losses include things like the ending of a season of life, the ending of a long-term relationship, the loss of a job/home/friends, and a loss of dreams or what they had hoped for their future (in other words a loss of what could have been). I liken these losses to a “death” of sorts because we grieve these losses.

As I prayed for these losses or “deaths”, Phil Wickham’s song entered my thoughts. Having tremendous empathy, my heart was aching and grieving for what they must be going through. While praying for their comfort, peace, healing, and future a thought came to mind: “These ‘deaths’ are not the end. With God, there can be a resurrection of new things in their lives!”

In hopes that this analogy might be an encouragement to others, this post will share some of the spiritual insights of “deaths” followed by a “resurrection” (bearing in mind these are not literal deaths and literal resurrections but rather figurative).

Some deaths are followed by a glorious resurrection

On several previous occasions and even recently on a podcast, I’ve heard Pastor Willie George say that “Every death in Christ is followed by a glorious resurrection. God takes the things that we die to and resurrects them in power and holiness so that we do not lose what we present to Him!”^[3] He’s taught before that when we have to give something up or lose something for the sake of Christ, God will bring about a resurrection in our life.

Pastor George gave some examples of sacrificing and giving up certain hobbies and things like hunting, hobbies when his kids were young in order to spend quality time with them and involve himself in their interests. He then stated how God paid him back even better later after his kids were grown and resurrected some of those dreams and hobbies. In fact, God restored his hobbies to life to the point where he’s even turned his love for the outdoors and hunting into a new ministry now—something even better than he could have originally dreamed.

Some “deaths” and sacrifices are good because there will be a resurrection to follow. Additionally, God may bring new life to something we’ve given up or lost in ways that are even better than we can ask or imagine.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

Take up your cross

Jesus asks his disciples, which includes us, to take up their cross and follow him.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Matthew 16:24-25 (NLT) **See also Matthew 10:38-39, Mark 8:34 & Luke 9:23

A cross is a means of death. Sometimes we will be called to sacrifice things, “die” to things, or endure loss. However, as we walk through “deaths”, we are NOT alone but with Jesus. We are following him. Furthermore, in a seemingly backward move, when we give up or lose something for Christ’s sake, we will actually save it.

As we take up our cross (our means of death) and follow Jesus, we don’t just follow him to death but also follow him into resurrection! We will experience a death to our old self and a resurrection of a new and better self!

“For if we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.” Romans 6:5 (BSB)

As we take up our cross (our means of death) and follow Jesus, we don’t just follow him to death but also follow him into resurrection!

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Joining him in his suffering means also joining him in his resurrection

It doesn’t end at death. To join Christ in his suffering by experiencing our own “deaths” means to join him in his resurrection as well. We can rejoice in suffering because in suffering we can identify with Jesus, and we can also identify with the new life that follows.

I was reminded of this truth in another praise song: Christ Be Magnified by Cody Carnes. In the bridge of the lyrics it says…

“I won’t bow to idols, I’ll stand strong and worship You
And if it puts me in the fire, I’ll rejoice ’cause You’re there too
I won’t be formed by feelings, I hold fast to what is true
If the cross brings transformation then I’ll be crucified with You
‘Cause death is just the doorway into resurrection life
And if I join You in Your suffering, then I’ll join You when You rise
And when You return in glory with all the angels and the saints
My heart will still be singing, my song will be the same”^[4]

Scriptures about sharing in his suffering

“I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!” Philippians 3:10-11 (NLT)

“And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Romans 8:17-18 (NLT)

“For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” 2 Corinthians 1:5 (ESV)

“But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:13 (NIV)

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.” 1 Peter 1:6 (NLT)

Scriptures about being crucified with Christ

When we are crucified with Christ and we put death to our old, sinful nature and ways, a type of resurrection and transformation occurs with a new nature and new and better way of life. This is a death of sorts followed by a glorious resurrection…like a caterpillar into a cocoon becomes a beautiful butterfly.

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NLT)

“We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.” Romans 6:6 (NLT)

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:24 (NIV)

“Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life…This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:14, 17 (NLT)

Why are you looking for the living among the dead?

In Phil Wickham’s song, there’s a part where the scripture-based (Luke 24:1-6) lyrics say, “The women came before the dawn, to find that stone already gone; When they looked inside the angel said, Why you looking for the living among the dead? He’s alive! He’s alive! Hallelujah He’s alive!”^[5]

“In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” Luke 24:5-6a (NIV)

“and the Ever-living One [living in and beyond all time and space]. I died, but see, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of [absolute control and victory over] death and of Hades (the realm of the dead).” Revelation 1:18 (AMP)

When we go through times and sorts of “deaths” (losses, sacrifices, etc.), it’s easy and tempting to wallow or get stuck in our grief of the loss. It’s easy to forget or to lose sight of the fact that a resurrection is coming. We find ourselves looking for the living among the dead.

It is most definitely healthy and okay to grieve a death or a loss. However, it’s important to not stay in our grief too long. In order to stop “looking for the living among the dead”…

• We can focus on God and on the good (see Philippians 4:6-8)
• Stay encouraged in scripture (see Joshua 1:8 & Psalms 1:1-3)
• Remember that we have victory in Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 15:57, 2 Corinthians 2:14, John 16:33, & Romans 8:37)
• Remember that we are not in suffering alone (see Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10, Hebrews 13:5 AMPC, Matthew 11:28-30, & Matthew 28:20)

Don’t give up…this “death” is not the end

The Bible is full of verses encouraging us to endure and not give up. It reminds us that good is still possible. Resurrection is still possible.

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” Psalm 126:5 (ESV)

“And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22 (NKJV)

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:13 (NLT)

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT)

“Stand firm, and you will win life.” Luke 21:19 (NIV)

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)

“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” 1 Peter 5:10 (NLT)

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NIV)

Seeing the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living

Ultimately, we know we will be rewarded in heaven (Matthew 5:12, Matthew 16:27, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 2 Timothy 4:8, 1 Peter 5:4, Revelation 2:10, Revelation 22:12, Matthew 6:19-21, & Luke 12:33-34). Nevertheless, we can still be confident that we will see the goodness of the Lord NOW, in the land of the living!

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:13-14 (NIV)

David Guzik says in his commentary, “David’s seeking after God, and his knowledge of the Lord, led him to this triumphant statement. He would have given up (lost heart), but he knew that the good God would find a way to show His goodness in this life (as well as the next).”^[6]

It’s encouraging to know that we can see the goodness of God now, not only just in heaven. We can be confident that God can bring resurrection now in this current life, in addition to when we spend eternity with him. Be encouraged that you don’t have to wait until you enter heaven to experience resurrection.

Take Some Practical Steps to be Encouraged That God Can Bring a “Resurrection” to our “Deaths”:

• First, know that in this life we WILL have trouble, we WILL have “deaths”, but also know that “resurrection” is possible because of Jesus.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

• Secondly, know that God may ask you to sacrifice or give up some things (time, money, hobbies, relationships, etc.). However, these will not be without recompense.

Some “deaths” and sacrifices are good because there will be a resurrection to follow possibly in ways even better than we can imagine. By identifying with Jesus and joining him in his suffering, we can also join him in his resurrection.

“Every death in Christ is followed by a glorious resurrection. God takes the things that we die to and resurrects them in power and holiness so that we do not lose what we present to Him!”^[7] ~Pastor Willie George

“…for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58b (NLT)

• Next, recognize that God can also resurrect the things that we’ve lost, even if it was not an intentional sacrifice.

God is a God of restoration and renewal. He can make all things new and bring about new things. There is hope for your future.

“…So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” 1 Peter 5:10b (NLT)

“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5 (ESV)

“The Lord says, “Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening. Don’t you see it? I will make a road in the desert and rivers in the dry land.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NCV)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

• Then, know that it’s okay to grieve a loss but don’t get stuck there. Stop “looking for the living among the dead”.

To do this focus on God and on the good (see Philippians 4:6-8), stay encouraged in scripture (see Joshua 1:8 & Psalms 1:1-3), remember that you have victory in Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 15:57, 2 Corinthians 2:14, John 16:33, & Romans 8:37), and remember that you are not in suffering alone (see Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10, Hebrews 13:5 AMPC, Matthew 11:28-30, & Matthew 28:20).

• Furthermore, don’t give up during the hard times or during your “deaths”. Resurrection is still possible and good things are promised to those who endure.

• Also, remember that you will see the goodness of the Lord now, in the land of the living, not only just in heaven.

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:13-14 (NIV)

• Finally, don’t expect an exact replication of what was lost.

When experiencing death followed by a resurrection, it does not necessarily mean that the object associated with the death will be the exact same thing that is resurrected. Nonetheless, there will be new life somehow. For example, if we have a death of a relationship, it does not mean that God will bring that exact same relationship back to us, but he may bring a new and better relationship. The same is true with the loss of a job, loss of finances, and time or effort sacrificed.

Have you experienced the “death” of something followed by resurrection? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below.

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1. Wickham, Phil. “Phil Wickham – Sunday Is Coming (Official Lyric Video).” YouTube, 16 Mar. 2023, youtu.be/TbDTXuuTpO4. ↑
2. Wickham, Phil. “Phil Wickham – Sunday Is Coming (Official Lyric Video).” YouTube, 16 Mar. 2023, youtu.be/TbDTXuuTpO4. ↑
3. George, Willie. “Faith Roots with Pastor Willie George: Me, Myself, and I: Living in Three Dimensions – Episode 17 on Apple Podcasts.” Apple Podcasts, 26 July 2021, podcasts.apple.com/bo/podcast/me-myself-and-i-living-in-three-dimensions-episode-17/id1561013681?i=1000530128557&l=en. ↑
4. Carnes, Cody. “Christ Be Magnified (Official Lyric Video).” YouTube, 31 Dec. 2019, youtu.be/jjGMlYywK9M. ↑
5. Wickham, Phil. “Phil Wickham – Sunday Is Coming (Official Lyric Video).” YouTube, 16 Mar. 2023, youtu.be/TbDTXuuTpO4. ↑
6. Guzik, David. “Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 27.” Enduring Word, 23 Aug. 2022, enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-27/. ↑
7. George, Willie. “Faith Roots with Pastor Willie George: Me, Myself, and I: Living in Three Dimensions – Episode 17 on Apple Podcasts.” Apple Podcasts, 26 July 2021, podcasts.apple.com/bo/podcast/me-myself-and-i-living-in-three-dimensions-episode-17/id1561013681?i=1000530128557&l=en. ↑