2 Aug, 2006
I saw a woman die yesterday.
This is not what you expect to see when you go into a discount store to pick up a few items. As I was shopping, suddenly there was a frantic commotion near customer service. Evidently, this lady in her 60's had realized something was wrong and had approached the counter where she collapsed face down. She never moved. It may have been the horrible heat outside or perhaps she had a previous health issue, or both.
Store staff worked on her for a few minutes till paramedics arrived. It was like what you see on television, but this was real. More valiant efforts, but still no response.
After quite some time, the rescue workers lifted the woman's lifeless body onto a stretcher. I recognized that color. Having worked as a pastor, I had seen death before, but it is always a very sobering and spiritual moment. Her time in this life had run out.
I found myself wondering about this woman's life. What was her story?
What is her story now in eternity?
Time Is Running Out
What does today's scripture (God's Story) teach us about the timing of death?
God's Spirit gave Solomon the words to write. His main point in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 is that God has a time for everything. God has a plan that includes the different cycles of life, including death.
God's timing for everyone's death is important and perfect. This may seem unfair to some people and give great peace to others. Either way, remember that since God is the Creator and in control, He knows best. Keep in mind, that God is love and He can do no wrong.
So, the key to peace with God's timing is to know Him through Christ and confidently accept the fact that He offers eternal life in Heaven after death. God knows what is best for each of us in light of His perfect plan for building His eternal Kingdom.
If someone doubts or is bitter toward God for His timing and plan, he or she will probably experience discouragement, rebellion and endless confusion in life.
You can take heart in remembering that God has planned the exact second when our time runs out. His timing is always perfect.
How can you connect today's God's Story to your story?
- Daily thank God for His perfect plan and timing in everything.
- Write down in your journal (or somewhere you'll be reminded) the answer to this question: If you knew that your time would run out one week from right now, what would you do? How would you live your life during this next week?
- Talk to God right now in prayer. Thank Him for being in control of everything. Thank Him for loving you and having a perfect plan for every part of your life, including death. Express any fear or questions you have...He will listen and love you. Confess any way in which you tend to minimize the time God has given you in life. Ask His Spirit to help you use your time wisely and to live as if your time were about to run out.....
How can you connect today's God's Story and your story to others?
- Keep in mind that time is running out for everyone. Every second that goes by brings everyone another second closer to death. This doesn't mean that you should panic and start cramming Jesus down everyone's throat. God does the work through His Spirit. He just calls each of us to live out the reality of Jesus in us and look for opportunities to learn the stories of others and then connect our stories and God's Story to their lives.
- Pray regularly for Jesus to show you how to use your time effectively in sharing His Good News with others.
- Take a mini hourglass (you probably have one inside a board game that you don't use any more) and set it by your computer or your bed or on your desk. For the next couple of weeks, turn it over a few times every day and watch time run out. Let Jesus remind you of the great privilege and responsibility He has given all of His followers to tell God's Story.
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