Someone I knew of died today, and it made me think once again how precious life is, and how very important it is to fill our days with things that really matter; to do the things that we love.
Only God knows how long each one of us is going to be here on earth. I believe God wants us to have a long and full life. But sadly far too often we don’t actually live a full life, and instead simply fall into the routine of existing.
Apart from the day-to-day requirements of living life, God has created all of us to have dreams, goals, and hopes. Perhaps we have skills and hobbies that we love, and activities that breathe life into who we are. These are the life-giving moments and opportunities we are made to embrace.
The first 15- 16 years of our lives are our childhoods. Then the next 45 to 50 years of our lives we spend working! Then most of us retire. Isn’t it then of vital importance that in every stage of our lives we spend our time doing the things we love? That we number our days and don’t neglect opportunities in front of us; that we don’t waste our lives in regret or mindless drudgery?
God wants far more for us than that, but often we don’t expect or believe for more. We accept and “come under” our circumstances, instead of determining to “get bigger on the inside”. We stop pursuing our dreams and claiming God’s promises which cause us to be able to break free from limitations, yokes and barriers.
When we number our days, spending them on what matters; in doing what we love, in seeking to be a blessing, and in being all that God made us to be, it causes us to start to believe for more!
So today I encourage you to ask God for the more, to start to dream and hope and imagine. The ability to dream and imagine is God given, and His gift to us. The bible actually says God will do more than we dare ask, think or imagine.
“Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20)
Imagine how different your day and life would be if you ensured that you did at least one thing every day that you loved? Imagine if you spent time each day with those you could influence for good; where you could make a difference and be a blessing.
But it takes us making the time and the effort to stop, to reflect, to listen to God and determine whether we are allowing time for what is really important in our life.
This quote by John Piper says it all,”But whatever you do, find the God-centered, Christ-exalting, Bible-saturated passion of your life, and find your way to say it and live for it and die for it. And you will make a difference that lasts. You will not waste your life.”
Our life is a gift. Don’t get so caught in the “rat race” that you don’t live the life that Jesus gave His own life to give you.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Numbers 90:12)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
Prayer: Lord thank you for the reminder that our life is precious, but that if we are not careful we can waste it. Help me to listen to you, and not get caught in what the world says is important. Please teach and reveal to me what really matters, and help me to spend each day wisely. In Jesus Name. Amen.