Our Lives Are Fleeting

1 Corinthians 15:58 – So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. (NLT)

A dear friend left us last month for her heavenly home. We had been friends for 47 years. I'm so grateful that my husband and I had visited with her in July for what proved to be the last time until we meet again. Joan was to have knee surgery three days after we arrived in the beautiful village of New Denver, British Columbia, Canada. Interestingly, we had been offered a whole house for our stay, even before we knew the exact date that her surgery would take place. Usually, we would have stayed with Joan.

Even though we weren't staying with her, Joan insisted on inviting us for supper each evening, up until the day when she went to the hospital. We assured her that of course it was all right to have leftovers. She never complained about her knee or mentioned that it was bothering her. We caught up on all the news and talked about our families. She was the gracious hostess we had always known her to be. Joan lived her life serving others.

Just before leaving His disciples, Jesus had many words of advice for them:

John 14:1-3 – Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. (NLT)

After the surgery, Joan stayed at her daughter's place. I imagined Joan leaving her trailer in perfect order: the bed made, the floor swept, the flowers on her porch carefully watered. Her cherry jam was made and stored, and her car was parked under the cedar tree, waiting till she could drive it again. Only, she didn't return for more than a couple of days before she suddenly left this life. No longer does she need her car or her cherry jam. She doesn't need the teacups in the china cabinet or the photos of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She has finished with her earthly home, and she has a new home that Jesus had prepared for her, just as He prepares a home for us who believe.

Psalm 39:4 – Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered — how fleeting my life is. (NLT)

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 – Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. (NLT)

Joan's time on earth was short, compared to eternity, but she lived her life enthusiastically for the Lord. May we be reminded that our days are numbered, and live accordingly. May we be sure that we have put our trust and confidence in Jesus, thereby being ready to occupy the home that He is preparing for each one of us.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You are preparing a heavenly home for us. Help us to realize that our time here on earth is brief, and help us to live in love, serving You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share this devotional on Facebook     Like PresbyCan on Facebook