It was brief.
Just a few minutes of chatting.
I was on one side of the fence and they were on the other.
We could hear each other but not really see.
It blessed my heart, they inquired after my allergies.
Then asked about our church.
Just a friendly conversation.
But through it two truths surfaced.
“Well, when you’re as old as we are and have underlying health issues you wonder if you’re going to make it through this or not.”
My heart lept.
I actually wished they could see my face and read my feelings.
However, I knew my words were going to have to be my tool.
“Well, with my asthma and other health issues, I am in the category of ‘at risk’. My kids have been worried, asking me what we are going to do.”
“But I told them, God has the exact number of my days in His hand and nothing is going to change that. I don’t know how many that is, but I’m not going to worry. I’m just going to live life unto Him and praise the Lord”
There was a brief pause and then our conversation moved on to other topics.
But in my heart, I truly understand what was said.
There’s something very different about how one looks at life when you realize you are mortal.
There’s yet another change when you realize you may not have a future on this Earth.
That is the truth I heard in their words.
It’s a truth I’ve looked at as well.
Because none of us are guaranteed any allotted time here, but for some reason we assume we are.
When the truth, that no one but God knows the number of your days and you don’t have any idea how many that is, becomes a part of your every day perspective you have a choice.
You can choose to live selfishly and full of fear. Be consumed with trying to get all you can to protect yourself or do everything you’ve dreamed about before the ‘end’. Basically living like this world is the best there is.
Or
You can choose to live daily for Jesus and realize His plans for each of us is the best this world can offer, but through His blood it’s not the end.
Because it is not the end.
Heaven is waiting for those who believe:
John 3:16 NKJV — “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:17 NKJV — “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
I made the choice to walk with my Lord and be thankful for each day, no matter how many I have left.
Because like Paul I know this truth:
Philippians 3:20 NKJV — For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Today, my prayers are for those who have yet to make that choice and for those who have yet to realize the truth.
Dear Reader, only God knows the struggles inside your heart, but know that He loves you, deeply. He wants to comfort, guide, and speak truth to you. In these days of uncertainty, please take the time to seek Him. If you already know Him, take the time to praise Him! May God bless you, dear.
patientlyhopeful 