“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” – James 4:14b
Our lives are short. The Bible only promises 70 years; anything beyond that is a bonus. But what happens when someone’s life is cut dramatically short? Maybe 70 years isn’t a promise…maybe 70 years *is* the bonus. There is only one promise found in Scripture regarding length of life, and it’s found in several places. The most well known is this:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16
There really is no promise for a long life on earth. The promises we find refer to a quality of life on earth. This quality does not come by obtaining things, amassing wealth, becoming famous, or making a name for yourself. The quality comes from a life lived through Jesus Christ.
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:1-2
“…whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:26-28
Get the idea? Our lives become fulfilled – truly meaningful – when we can use them to serve others. If we spend our lives getting *things*, what will we have to show for it when we die? No one knows when that will be. It could be tomorrow, or even on the way home from work. So how can I say that the higher my status is, the better my life will be? Status is all about making a name for myself. But even if I have all the money in the world, without using my status to help others, who will remember who I am?
The truly amazing people are the ones who can live their lives for everyone else in the midst of trials. They can stare Death squarely in the eye and say, “You may take me, but you’ll never conquer me.” Those that die knowing Christ as Savior can even say to Death, “You think you have me, but I am above you.” They know the purpose for suffering in the life of a Believer.
“He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” – 1 Peter 4:12-13
They realize that in the midst of the trials, even unto the brink of death, that not only is Christ in control of the whole situation, but through their lives God may be glorified, and it gives an unspeakable joy, an overwhelming calm that soothes the pain.
Nicole Bodjanac was just such a person. When she realized she was fighting a pretty rare form of cancer, she decided that regardless of the outcome, she would be a winner. She had already established a relationship with Jesus Christ, and through that was able to take her pain and suffering and turn it into a glowing example of the joy found through a life lived in Faith in Jesus. Either she would beat cancer, or she would finally see Jesus face to face. Regardless of what happened, she would continue living her life for others and doing it with joy.
“After a 16 month battle, Nicole is finally cancer free. Nicole went home to be with the Lord this afternoon. May she rest safely in the arms of Jesus.” (taken from Nicole’s blog)
She would have turned 23 on March 11.
-j
I'm Jason, and I like to write.