James 4:13-14
A Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior version of James 4:13-14 is, “What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night, the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.” Indeed, it seems the older I get, the faster time passes!
The priorities that seemed so terribly important in my youth have been replaced by more life specific goals. But, one top of the list priority has not changed. If anything, this one priority has gained in importance; my relationship with the Lord.
Contrary to popular doctrine, loving God and serving Him has not meant my life has been without pain or hard lessons. It has meant that no matter what life has brought me, God’s presence, direction and encouragement have been with me.
God has never failed me; sometimes, the people who have claimed to represent Him have. But, allowing God to be Lord of my life has been my choice. I’ve had little control over circumstances. How those circumstances affected my life was determined by my relationship with Jesus.
No matter what age we realize our need for a Savior, God welcomes us as His child. I’ve never heard anybody say they wish they had waited longer to commit their life to Christ. I have heard many declare that if they had life to do over, they’d have accepted Jesus sooner. Life is short and has many trials (Job 14:1); like buffalo breath on a cold morning; it will soon be gone. Jesus is the only priority that matters—forever.
James 4:13-14 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 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.
Prayer: Father, help me to realize how short life is compared to eternity. Make my heart sensitive to the Holy Spirit so that I will know this life, with all of its troubles, is temporary. You, my Lord, are the only constant; help me to live fully committed to you. Amen.
Scriptural References:
Job 13:1 Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.
(stunning photography by Merry Keys)