I certainly can sympathize with your grief; like most people, I too have had loved ones suddenly taken by death, and it is always a shock. One of the most touching scenes in the Bible is Jesus’ reaction to the death of His good friend Lazarus, told in the shortest verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35).

Although your friend’s death is a tragedy, God is clearly using it to awaken you to your own spiritual need. Death is a reality—whether it comes suddenly and unexpectedly (as was the case with your friend), or slowly and without surprise (as in the case of a fatal illness or old age). Why should we not be prepared for it?

And we can be, because God has told us two very important truths that we need to take very seriously. First, He has told us that death is not the end. Ahead of us is eternity, either experiencing the joy of Heaven or the despair of what the Bible calls Hell. The Bible warns, “People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

But God has also told us another truth: He has provided the way for us to be saved. That way is Jesus Christ, who by His death on the cross took upon Himself the judgment we deserve for all our sins. By faith commit your life to Jesus Christ. God’s promise is for you: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).

You can be ready for eternity today.