Time Is Not Ours To Decide - Jewell Utt
Death exemplifies how fleeting life is and how abruptly it can end. It’s a somber reminder that we are not in control. We are not guaranteed tomorrow or even our next breath. It’s hard to believe life can end at any time. When we lose friends unexpectedly, we are harshly reminded that time is not ours to decide.
In the space of a few days, two close friends died. The suddenness made me sad for matters they were unable to resolve in this life. I came to admire how well they carried themselves, and fed into the lives of other people, despite internal conflict. These were not women who readily shared their struggles, but dealt with torment from the past in private.
Secrets…
They are not mine to reveal, other than to say one dealt with family estrangement as a result of her secret, the other lived haunted by remorse from harsh words. This is where the swiftness of death meets regret. We can’t right wrong relationships once people have died. Nor can we live at peace, despite past failures, once we are gone.
My hope for both these friends were to reconcile their situations in this life, but that time has passed. It makes me wonder why, since we can’t change the past, we don’t leave our demons behind. But I realize our hearts are complex. I also wonder why we don’t enjoy the good parts of a relationship, rather than holding onto the bad. But that requires two willing souls. Instead we’re left with pride, stubbornness and death.
I admire people who don’t allow issues to consume them, but choose to function beyond personal struggles. Oh that we could all accomplish that before death. I am reminded through Christ we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). I love the NASB version that says, “we overwhelmingly conquer.” That’s what I witnessed in my friends, they overwhelmingly conquered because they chose Christ and serving His people, over defeat from their thought life.
We all fall prey to toxic thoughts from time to time. Though it is a challenge to regain balance, we must stand strong. Instead of listening to the lies of our mind, turn to the truth of God’s Word.
He Says We are:
Conquerors – Romans 8:37
Not condemned – Romans 8:11 There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Free – Romans 8:2 For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set you free
Loved – Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Inseparable – 8:38-39 For I am convinced that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Read Romans 8:35-39)
So…
Proverbs 4:23 instructs…Guard your minds!
“More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.
Philippians 4:8 tells us HOW. ” Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Proverbs 23:7 gives us the WHY. As a man thinks in his heart so is he.
My prayer is that the Love of God will penetrate our hearts and minds.
