There are a few options for us during this brief, yet meaningful existence on earth. And one of the most popular choices is fear. Particularly, the fear of death. Not knowing what happens next bleeds into a general concern for what is around every corner.

Our two-minute-ride will one day end. That much we cannot avoid. There is no evading death. It is a natural part of life. But the inevitability of death does not have to destroy us. It could, if we so choose, motivate us.

Although there is not a way to avoid death, there is a way to defeat it. Jesus Himself did not avoid death. He was not afraid of its inevitability. He did not flee from it. Neither did He submit and just let death have its way. Jesus confronted death with courage, intentionality, and purpose. He turned it on its heels by taking away its power.

The only way death wins is when it intercepts life. The inevitability of death can cripple us. It can birth apathy. Or it can remind us of the unique importance of this brief existence and the opportunity of today.

Death is prowling, looking to steal our choices. Hoping to lull us to sleep with whispers of fear. But today is a new opportunity. A new chance to live this brief life as best we can, while we can.

We spend so much time trying to avoid death rather than trying to overcome it. We overcome death by living life. By taking away its power, refusing to allow fear to rule over us, define us, or disqualify us from the opportunity of today.