Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: FRAGILE (02/23/17)
- TITLE: Breath of Life
By Lois Farrow
03/01/17 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
None of us know how many days we have. Most of us have the privilege of reaching old age and seeing the next generations. But many do not have the privilege of growing old. Life ends prematurely for many reasons, and none of us know when our time will come.
Our senior years are not always joy, as the wonderful descriptions in Ecclesiastes 12 remind us. The keepers of the house tremble, the strong men stoop, the grinders cease because they are few, and our eyes become dim. But God is with us, even into old age, faithful to his promise.
We are told to remember God in our youth. We are told to remember him before we go to our eternal home, when the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. We are reminded that the ending of life is like a silver cord being severed, like a bowl being broken; like a pitcher shattered at the spring. A fragile thing.
God is the giver of life, as Genesis 2:7 NIV reminds us. The Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
We have God’s breath of life. What an amazing thought, what a precious gift.
I am reminded of my grandfather when he was called up for the First World War. He hated war. “I don’t see war as a good way of solving the world’s problems,” he said. He joined the army as an ambulance man, not a soldier, his mission to save lives rather than take them.
He was sent to France in 1917, leaving behind his pregnant wife and small daughter, who became my mother. His service was cut short when he was injured during a mustard gas attack, sent for a lengthy recuperation period, then sent home. He worked in an outdoor gardening job the rest of his long life, the open air bringing healing to his lungs.
Many others were not spared, and died young. Were they prepared to meet their maker? Did they meet God on the battlefield? There are many stories unknown to us, but known to God.
James writes - What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14 NIV)
Do we treasure this fleeting life that God has given us? Are we gaining God’s heart of wisdom? Lord, help us in the time we have to know your mind, and to live for you.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
