I’m sure many readers have had a similar experience, and we should be grateful to God for all those who seek to combat sickness and disease. For 25 years, my father-in-law was a missionary doctor in China, and he was constantly on the lookout for medical advances to help his patients.

I’m not a scientist, of course, but no, medical science will never erase all sickness or eliminate the reality of death. Many diseases have a built-in ability to adapt and become resistant to the latest drugs. In addition, entirely new diseases sometimes emerge (such as HIV). The aging process, too, is irreversible, and death is our inevitable destiny — and it always will be. The Bible’s observation is true: “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14).

Why is this the case? The reason, the Bible says, is because we each have a disease that is far more deadly than any virus or bacteria. It is a spiritual disease called sin, and it infects every one of us and makes us subject to death. As the Bible says, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

But we don’t need to fear death — because God has provided the way for us to be forgiven and cleansed of our sin. That way is Jesus Christ, who gave His life for us. Put your faith and trust in Him, and then thank God for every day He gives you — and for His gift of eternal life through Christ.