Whether Present or Absent by David Jeremiah

Whether Present or Absent Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:9 When Lois Evans was dying from a rare form of cancer, her husband Tony and their family gathered around her. During her farewell moments, she began speaking about seeing “something outside earth’s realm.”

Recommended Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-9

Pastor Tony Evans said at his wife’s memorial service, “One of the things that I’ve observed in life and in Scripture is that when people walk with God and He doesn’t take them suddenly, He will…let them know, not only that it’s time, but it’s okay.” The couple’s daughter, Priscilla Shirer, said, “If there is one thing you can do in honor of my mother, it’s do not let your hearts be troubled.”[1] God’s plan for our life goes past the grave and into eternity with Jesus Christ, and the transition isn’t as abrupt as it seems. According to 2 Corinthians 5:9, we’ll be doing the same thing five minutes after we die (“absent” from the body) as we were five minutes before, while alive on earth (“present” in the body), which is seeking to please Him. The best way to prepare for the future is to please Jesus now. You are not fighting for victory—you are fighting from victory. This battle has already been won! Tony Evans