Conversations on Death & Dying That We Need to Have Now & Again Next Yearნიმუში

Letting Go in Peace: Dying Slowly

The first type of death we will cover is that of a slow death.

A slow decline can feel frustrating, painful, or even embarrassing. It can be hard to accept new limitations and the growing dependency that often comes with them.

For us as Christians, this slow journey can also be a time of deep spiritual renewal. Paul, writing about the hardship of physical decline, said:

“Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV

As the body weakens, the soul can grow stronger. While energy fades, trust can deepen. When there is less left to do in the world, we are given more space to prepare for what comes next.

There is something sacred about this final season when it is approached with faith and peace, even if it comes as a slow type of death that we may not desire.

Even so, many people – Christians included – do everything they can to avoid dying. We may pursue every available treatment, try one more procedure, and urge others to keep praying for our healing.

This is not wrong. God still heals, and Christians should not be ashamed to pray boldly. But there will come a point where the more faithful path is not to keep fighting, but to let go.

When facing his own death, Jesus Himself prayed for the suffering to pass, but He surrendered to God the Father by adding this to the conclusion of his prayer:

“Yet not my will, but yours be done.” – Luke 22:42 NIV

Surrender is not a lack of faith. Your surrender to God is faith in its most trusting form.

When you are able to say, “I am ready to go,” and “Your will be done,” this may be one of your most God-honoring declarations you ever make.

Letting go is not giving up. It is choosing to focus on what matters most: final conversations, last blessings, saying thank you, and saying goodbye.

It is a time to offer and receive forgiveness, to share love freely, and to speak openly about the hope we have in Christ. This kind of peace, when accepted and lived, often comforts the people around us more than any words we say ever could.

Some families come to a shared understanding that no more treatment is necessary. There is no countdown clock, no dramatic announcement – just a quiet agreement to let things unfold as they will.

The attention then shifts from trying to survive to preparing to meet God. In these moments, many find themselves closer to God than ever before. It becomes a holy time, more special even than the highest mountaintop experience could ever be.

A slow death might not be what you would choose, but it may give you something other kinds of death cannot: time.

Time to reflect, to pray, to bless, to forgive, and to release. In the hands of God, even the most difficult chapter of life can become a testimony of grace and trust.

Take time to reflect:

• If your health declined slowly, how would you want to approach that season?
• Have you seen someone face a slow death with faith and peace? What stood out?
• What can you do now to prepare your heart to let go when the time comes?