To the editor:

The April 15 article about physician assisted suicide sounds attractive except for Christians who believe that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away (Job 1:21). I do not believe that suicide is an unforgivable sin but one where Christians (and non-Christians) are deceived by Satan. Christians, who take their own lives, fail during their time of desperation to remember God’s truth that all things (even the trial they are going through) work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). Even in the darkest times, we can still cry out to God and He will deliver us and we will glorify Him (Psalm 50:15).

Unbelievers should consider crying out to God because their condition; regardless of how bad it is, is much better now than it will be in eternity, separated from God and in hell.  Foxhole prayers are common among soldiers who are in a death situation. Both thieves on the cross with Christ mocked him, but one changed his mind and it changed his eternal destiny. God will never reject someone who sincerely cries out to Him. He will deliver in the way that is best for us.

Lastly, as Christians, we will suffer. It’s part of sharing in Christ’s sufferings. Don’t waste an opportunity to know God’s faithful care during living and dying, and especially, throughout eternity.