I Have 24 Hours To Live

 

I have 24 hours to live....maybe.  The Lord hasn't actually promised me a whole 24 hours. I just woke up assuming I might be given a whole day. He may take me home even before this day is over.

What shall I do with this gift?

Shall I spend it worrying about tomorrow?   I guess that's not an option. God's Word tells me not to worry about tomorrow but to focus on this day alone because it will contain enough cares for my shoulders to bear. Matthew 6:34

Shall I spend this day doing only what I want and make myself happy?  Well, Philippians 2:4 instructs me to look out for others as well as myself. I'm to be busy praying for others, caring for needs within my sphere, edifying and encouraging the weary and faint. That should keep me busy and engaged for the day.

Shall I spend my day musing over the unfair things of life today? I wonder if that won't lead to a bitter root springing up in my heart. And take up space in my thoughts which God's Word tells me are to be thoughts of things that are pure and lovely, honorable and of good report.  I think I can find a better way to spend this day.

Shall I spend my free time today watching TV and the internet?  It's okay if I want to check out a few blog friends or send an email. I can sit and laugh at Andy and Barney in Mayberry with my dear husband for fun. But I want to take time to fill my heart with the riches of God's Word and to enjoy sitting alone with Him in deep fellowship. Sitting at His feet helps restore my hope, joy and enthusiasm to keep going forward peacefully through my 24 hours. I can easily begin to drag and lose my joie de vivre......my vitality and sparkle if I don't refill my heart in the presence of Jesus. I can't get this 24 hours back, so I want to fuel up occasionally so I can enjoy the abundant life Jesus came to give me.

Shall I go out seeking something to do, something to keep myself busy? That's a possibility. The world offers so much to do and I'm sure if I just get involved somewhere I'll have a full day. But, in all honesty, I have plenty to do with the job I've been assigned. Meals need to be prepared, laundry is waiting, letters can be written, praying and fellowship with my family takes focused time, connecting with and encouraging other saints is necessary. Maybe keeping to my post will be of more benefit than going out and finding extra things to busy myself. 1 Thessalonians tells me to aspire to live a quiet life, work with my hands and mind my own business. I imagine this day will be full as I put my hand to the tasks ahead.

Shall I give up because the world is dark and gloomy and things really aren't going in a direction I feel comfortable with? Sometimes we can't focus on tasks before us because "those people" are doing things that are wrong and are going to disturb my life.  My question is...What can we do about "those people"?  Can you stop the evil one? Can you change people's hearts and minds? Do you possess the power needed to change the path the world is running full speed ahead towards?  Can you force a loved  one to go the way you know is best? Can you stop a gossips mouth and influence? Can you change the medical report you don't want?  Can your words alone bring back the prodigal you love? Can you wish for more money, more freedom, more power and make it reality? No....no, we don't truly possess the power to create a perfect life. So, for today, if I'm given this day, I will do what I can do. I will be a light and a willing servant of Christ. I will encourage those He sends my way. I will care for the needs in front of me as best I can. And I will worship my precious Savior. 

 One day I won't have 24 hours left. I'll be with my beloved Jesus. I'm looking forward to seeing Him! Hallelujah!

But, if He gives me 24 hours today, I'm going to take hold of it and squeeze all the goodness from it that I can. And no one or no thing can stop me from enjoying the abundant life He came to give me......His child.