As my friend Charles approached serious heart surgery, he had great peace.  He explained: “Whatever way it turns out, I’m a winner.”  A few years later, he faced another heart procedure with the same peace and the same words.

When the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome, he told them that whether they lived or died they would always be with Jesus, and Jesus would always be with them.  Eventually, Charles did pass from this world and went to be with the Lord.  The truth of Charles’s words provide comfort and a faithful example for me.  Whenever any of us faces a trial, because of our faith in Christ, we can say: “Whatever way it turns out, I’m a winner.”

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that whether in life or in death, you are always with us.  We pray as Jesus taught us saying, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” . Amen.