Tomorrow isn't certain, Eternity is.......

Sunday, January 26th 2020. A day the sports world will never forget, a day many will never forget. The tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven other passengers took the nation by surprise. I have to be honest with you, his death really shook me. Kobe Bryant is dead? There were days I asked myself if this really happened. I don’t know what your thoughts are surrounding his death, but as for me, it made me ponder about life. It’s ironic how death often makes us think about life. Whenever I leave home, am I guaranteed I will return?

Today, many are questioning why Kobe? Why would God allow this to happen to him and his beautiful daughter? Why didn’t he miraculously save the helicopter? Unfortunately, no one has answers to these questions, but one thing remains certain - God is sovereign. As finite humans, it is difficult and nearly impossible for us to comprehend the ways of God and why He allows certain things. His ways are higher than our ways, and maybe He doesn’t let us fully understand his ways so we can continue trusting his perfect ways. As much as we may not like to hear it, death is inevitable. We cannot escape it, but we can prepare for it. Let us use this tragic death to serve as a wake up call. Every day we wake up, we plan our day, complete our daily routines, but how often do we ponder about our life and the inevitable reality of death? I’m not advocating for purposeless living, but we must plan with God in the forefront, knowing He is the author of our lives.

It’s unfortunate to witness many going through life without thinking about the One who gives the very breath in their lungs that they in return use to curse and deny Him. Moreover, some wake up in the morning, not even thanking God for a new day He has granted. We go through our days busy making the mighty dollar, but hardly stop and thank the One who gives us the strength and ability to accumulate wealth on this earth. Friends, tomorrow is not certain, but guess what, eternity is. The beauty in Christ is the hope that although death is sure, it is not final. We die only to live eternally without pain, grief or sorrow. We die only to be with God forever.

As I write this post, I wonder why many people are afraid to repent, and receive God’s free gift of salvation. Then I remembered, 2 Corinthians 4:4 tells us,

the god of this world (the devil) has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. The enemy’s duty is to keep the world from experiencing what he once experienced in heaven. He knows the joy there is in heaven and the beauty of the Triune God. He was cast out of heaven and awaits judgement, but that doesn’t have to be your lot. Unfortunately, many are dying without knowing the love of God, and how much He desires to have fellowship with us. Instead, the god of this world has persuaded many to live independently of Christ, yet think they’ll enjoy heaven one day. To reject Christ is to reject God. To reject the Son is to reject the Father. Christ is the only way to heaven, there is no other way. Our good works will not grant us eternal life, nor will our church attendance or family traditions; the only way is through faith in the person and complete work of Jesus Christ.

One thing that took my husband and I by surprise were the few friends we had who made adventurous plans for retirement, but never lived to enjoy them. Again, it is wise to plan, but why aren’t we planning for life after death? We often forget we are not going to live on this earth forever. This earth is not our permanent residence. We live trying to build the biggest house, drive the fanciest car, wear the latest designer, all of which will perish one day. A few years ago, I had an opportunity to speak to an acquaintance, and something she said had me thinking. She said, “Deb, my husband doesn't believe there’s a God, and I don’t want to rock the boat of my marriage.” One thing she forgot was that our walk with God is independent of our spouse, children or friendships. This journey is between us and our Creator. I’ve witnessed some prefer to hold to a significant other than give their lives to Jesus, but then I’m reminded In Mark 8:36, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” The things of this world are enjoyable, yet they sway our hearts away from the One whom our hearts were created for. I am so happy I have a relationship with Christ and will not trade it for anything.

How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

James 4:4

Eternity is approaching. Each day we live is one day closer to it...