Life is short. We are told this most of our lives, but what does it really mean? In James 4:14 (NIV), we are told, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” This can either be a scary thought or a motivating one to live our lives fully present and not let fear consume us.
This week, a life in our family was cut short and another life is in the hospital for what appears to be an extended stay to heal all their injuries. This car accident not caused by them. A decision made by a teenager to speed allegedly led to the accident which sent my family into an emotional tailspin.
No one was expecting this to happen, but God knew it would. He is in control. He doesn’t want us to live our lives in fear of what might happen, but to live life fully. John 10:10 (NIV) says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
God wants us to grab Life. Grab it with both hands and hold on for the time we are given. You’ll notice I capitalized Life. See there I did it again. The life I’m, talking about grabbing hold of isn’t the one of material things or even your relationships. The Life I’m referring to is with Jesus. He is what we need to grab hold of so everything else in our life falls into place. John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This is the Life which will bring us hope and give us an eternal perspective. Yes, our lives are but a mist, here today and possibly gone tomorrow. The next minute, next hour, the next day are not promised.
With that in mind, will we live our life in fear of what could happen or are we going to pursue our dreams using the talents God has blessed each one of us with? I’m making the choice to use the talents God has given me. The events of this week have reminded me that life is limited and if we want to go after something, we need to ditch our excuses. I have a challenge for you, if you’re open to it.
In one column, write down all the fears and reason why you can’t pursue your dream. It could be lack of time or monetary resources or lack of support from those around you. Whatever it may be, write it down.
In the next column, write down why these ideas are untrue or ideas to prove them untrue. For example, if lack of time is on our list, create a calendar and track your time in 15 to 30 minute increments for a week. I’m guessing two or three hours of wasted time per day pop out. If it’s money, cite Bible verses where money is not important. God paves the road of heaven with gold. What some of us hold so dear on this earth, God uses as asphalt. The point is there is no excuse you can come up with that God cannot overcome. He wants us to succeed.
What are you doing to grab Life and never let go until the earthly ride stops? Share it in the comments below so we can support you!