As our nation here in the United States is grieving 67 lives lost in the airline crash in Washington DC last night, I have found myself going back to one question.

Did those people know Jesus?

I am as guilty as the next person about going about life without remembering it could be my last breath. If we really knew this would be our last day on earth, what would we do? And if we would do that “thing” on our last day, why aren’t we doing that now? Why do we allow all the little things to distract us from the only thing that matters?

I have prayed many times over the years that I would keep an eternal perspective in mind, and I have to daily come back to asking God to do that for me.

When I look at all the devastation we’ve encountered just here in the United States in the past few months- the hurricanes, fires, and now this plane crash, all have been deadly as well as  devastating to many.

Yesterday 67 people woke up for the last time. They brushed their teeth, and washed their hair, and went about their day most likely without believing it would be their last. I think we all pretty much do the same every day.

What we don’t consider is that hundreds of people die every day all around the world. Not in mass casualty events usually, but hundreds of people are dying every day of natural causes, disease, cancer, auto accidents, murder, etc.

All of us will die. It is a guarantee no one escaptes death of the human body. As my relationship with God has deepened, every time I hear of a death, my immediate thought is what did they hear when they faced God?

Did they hear? “Well done good and faithful servant”?
or
Did they hear “Depart from me I never knew you.”

Because here’s what I know. No sin can enter heaven. I mean think about it. It wouldn’t be heaven if there was any sin. The only way to not have sin in heaven when allowing human souls in is to be cleansed by the blood of Jesus.

I share with you today not to scare you, but let you know God has given you the gift of spending eternity with Him and knowing what happens when you face Him after leaving earth. He sent His only son Jesus to die for your sins, and my sins, so we don’t have to be separated for eternity from Him.

Hell is a real place. Heaven is a real place. And I’m not preaching hell, fire, and brimstone here. I am just letting you know choosing to follow Jesus is so much more than “fire” insurance and avoiding hell. When you truly follow Jesus with all of your heart, it is the most amazing journey ever. You will have a peace, love, and acceptance you have never experienced anywhere else. I promise.

My question for you today, is do you know what will be said to you when you face God?

You can, and you can start living and brand-new life today. All you must do, is “Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, and you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-10)

It’s my prayer you make that choice today and when you do, please find a Bible believing church to disciple you. Find Christians to surround yourself with and grow in your relationship with Jesus. (If you want to read more on knowing Jesus and verses you can here on my page just for knowing Jesus.)

None of us know which day will be our last and when we take our last breath, but we can know what will happen when we do.

May God bless you and may God bless and comfort all those who are grieving a loved one today.

© 2025 All Rights Reserved. Susan M. Clabaugh with Encouragement in Daily Living LLC

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