Waiting on Eternity
Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
We had known for two years but held out hope through his determination to beat the odds. Two years of an inspirational battle with a beast that has no compassion on its prey. Cancer takes a toll on its victim as well as all the broken hearts left in the devastating wake of its force.
His battle had become too great. The fight had become too much. The decline gained momentum in his last two weeks, leaving us to sit and wait.
Times like this bring life into perspective. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. We only have the present moment. That realization prompts us to say the things we fear we might not have the opportunity to say again. We make time for people in our lives with the thought it might be our last.
Losing a loved one is hard. No matter if their passing was expected or not. There is an emptiness without them. Time may ease the sorrow but their absence is always felt.
Why does it take staring death in the face for us to realize how close eternity is? We are all waiting on eternity.
Psalm 39:4-5 “Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath.”
We live our lives as though we have all the time in the world. We live as though we have many tomorrows. What if we don’t? If you knew today was your last day is there anything you would do differently? Why wait until it is too late?
Scripture tells us to be prepared because we do not know when the coming of Christ will be.
Mark13:32-33 “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.”
Are you prepared to meet Jesus?
Scripture also tells us to be prepared for the devil.
1 Peter 5:8 “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
We live in a time where sin is no longer sin. Everything is acceptable. This is another tactic lie of Satan to tempt us from falling away from God and His Truth and sadly we have bought into this lie.
Are you living in preparation for meeting God by resisting the temptations of Satan?
Scripture also tells us to be prepared to give an answer about our faith.
1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
Is Christ your Lord? Have you surrendered your life to Him? Do you live a life that reflects that decision?
When we live according to this world our life does not resemble a life devoted to God. For this world is not about bringing glory to God, it is about bringing glory to ourselves. When we live our lives for the glory and honor of God then our lives become a reflection of Christ to all who know us.
This life, no matter how long or short, is our passage into eternity. We make our decision here in our earthly bodies as to where we will spend our eternity. This life is our only chance to express our love and devotion to God in ways that leave a lasting impression on all those who know us.
We are all waiting on eternity in the here and now. How will we spend our waiting period? What lasting impression do we want to leave when we pass from this life into eternity?
Love NOW the way God calls us to love.
Forgive NOW the way God has forgiven us.
Be compassionate NOW the way God has compassion for us.
Show grace and mercy NOW to those who we might believe deserve it the least.
Say those things NOW to your loved ones before it is too late.
Make time NOW for the people in our life.
Live NOW for the glory and honor of God.
Help me Lord not to take for granted the days You have given me. Remind me daily that tomorrow is not promised here on Earth and to live accordingly. I pray that my life will leave a lasting impression of my love for You. May my life be a reflection of Christ to all who know me.