One Step Away

One Step Away 

Now my days are swifter than a runner; they flee away, they see no good. They slip by like reed boats, like an eagle that swoops on its prey (Job 9:25-26) 

 We are born, live for a few short years and then comes the day when our earthly tent is torn down and our eternal spirit returns to God who gave it (2 Cor. 5:1; Eccl. 12:6-7). Thus far on our pilgrimage on this side of eternity, I venture to say that we have enjoyed a measure of success, happiness, joy, peace and contentment. At the same time, it is safe to say that we have also experienced times when our soul was filled with failure, sorrow, heartache and disappointment. Truly, on this journey of life, we have climbed to the mountain tops of victory and we have walked through the valley of despair. I know not how you feel about this but as for me, my life has, even with all its ups and downs, been a wonderful journey thus far.    

Today these words spoken long ago by Job are a stark reminder to me of how quickly the days of this earthly life seem to pass by. The days of my youth have so quickly slipped away and now I find myself an old man patiently waiting with hope and expectation filling my heart for the day when I will fold up this earthly tent and fly away to live forever in that dwelling place where all things have been made new (2 Corinthians 5:1-9; John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:3-5). 

One day we are so strong physically and mentally, vibrant, full of energy and it seems as if nothing can stop us. But then, all too quickly we grow older and our strength fades considerably and we don't remember things as well as we once did. Aches and pains often take over our body making the day long and night weary. We see our friends and loved ones slip silently away into eternity and suddenly we begin to realize how brief our sojourn on earth really is (Psalms 90:10; James 4:14). 

As we continue our walk down the pathway of life, we do not know what lies ahead of us as it relates to our earthly existence. The future for us is an uncertain one but one thing we can be sure of, if we keep God in our life, allowing Him to direct our steps, our future will be safe and secure not only in this life but the life to come as well (2 John 3:1-3; Isa. 12:2-3; 2 Sam. 22:2-3; Psalms 62:5-8; Gal. 2:20; 2 Cor. 5:8-9). It is pure joy to have that closer walk with the Lord. 

It is imperative that we understand how quickly the days of this earthly life are passing (Psalms 90:10; James 4:13-15). The days of our life will soon be gone and we will fly away. When will this be? I don't know and neither do you. I do know that reservation has already been made (Heb. 9:27) and it will not be too long until this short life will come to an end. Enjoy your life today and every day for so long as you live but as you do so, make absolutely sure that you include plans for the eternity that is to come when your life here ends. It does not matter how old or how young you may be in terms of years, that day is closer than you may want to think about (1 Sam. 20:3). 

Charles Hicks

For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you

 

The Greatest Desire 

Philippians 1:23-24 "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you." 

This is a tremendous summation of Paul's life, a life that has been most interesting. He started out in life with all the secular advantages. He rose to a position of prominence among his peers. From all indications, Paul held in his hands the fame, prestige, fortune and power that worldly men seek. But one day his life took a dramatic turn (Acts 9). In his defense before Agrippa, Paul proclaimed that he was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision (Acts 26:19). There is no doubt that Paul complied with the words of Ananias found in Acts 22:16. There is no doubt that Paul carried out God's plan for him to carry God's message of salvation to the Gentiles (Acts 26:16-18).  

From the time of the events recorded on the road to Damascus and following until the time of his death, Paul had a share of joy, happiness and yes, even fame as a soldier of the cross. However, he also endured some of the roughest, toughest times imaginable (2 Corinthians 11:23-33). Through it all, the good and the bad, he persevered in such a way that he could come to the end of his life and say, "I am ready" (2 Timothy 4:6-8). 

Now, he tells us that he is faced with a dilemma: life or death. Did Paul want to die that very moment? Probably not. Was Paul ready to die at that very moment? Yes,Yes,Yes (Philippians 1:21; Gal. 2:20.)  Like Paul, all of us are faced with that dilemma: life or death. At this point I must ask, Does the similarity continue? Are we, like Paul, ready for either one? How many of us can truly say with confidence, "For me to live is Christ, to die is gain"? (Philippians 1:21) How many of us are living our lives in such a way that we can confidently speak the words of the 23rd Psalm? Can we proclaim that we are the sons of God and when he appears we shall be like him (1 John 3:1-3)? 

All of us should be eagerly looking forward to the day of death or the appearing of the Lord with no fear as to what either one will bring. The day of death becomes the door through which the faithful child of God leaves behind all conflicts with the fleshly appetites that war against the soul (James 4:1; 1 Pet. 2:11; 1 John 2:15-17). All suffering and trials will be ended, there will be no more groaning under the burdens of life. There will be no tears, mourning, crying, pain or death Rev. 21:4; Rev. 14:13).

 The deepest desire of our heart should be to live our life in a manner that will please and glorify the Lord (Philippians 3:7-11; 1 Timothy 4:12; Matthew 5:13-16; Romans 15:5-9; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 John 3:18-22). Living each day of our life glorifying and pleasing Him, we will have no regrets on the day we stand face to face with our Lord in the great judgment (Acts 17:30-31, 2 Corinthians 5:9-10). Eternal life with the Lord Jesus Christ and the redeemed of all ages. what a joy it will be. It is my aim and I pray it is yours also, to live each day loving and trusting the Lord with all my heart. For me, the days of my life are passing by so quickly and I know I will not be here very much longer but that does not bother me because there is a beautiful home that tugs at my heartstrings today (John 14:1-3; Phil. 3:12-14; 1 John 3:1-3).  To God be the glory!     

 Charles Hicks