“How did we get so old so fast?” I recently asked my husband! Time has flown by! We are expecting our first great-grandchild, and we realize that our time here is brief. Our time to make an impact on God’s kingdom on this earth is much less than it has been. It’s now or never. Will we complete the purpose for which we were created, or will that purpose be left dangling for someone else to complete? Will we stand before Christ with heads hung low or will we hear, “Hey! Come on in! You were such a good and faithful servant! Welcome to your forever home! I couldn’t wait for you to get here! Let me show you the impact of your faithfulness!”
Not knowing how many days I have left, like Jesus I must ask those who question my intent, “Do you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?” I ask myself, “Am I feeding Jesus’ sheep?” We need only to observe Peter to determine how this is done, knowing that he was asked the same question. Having only a short time to live himself, he committed his life to prayer and service. Two thousand years later, we can see the impact he made for God’s kingdom. Living with the shame of denying his Savior, he spent the rest of his time on earth telling both Jews and Gentiles about the saving grace of Jesus Christ – the same grace that was shown to him, as Jesus not only forgave him, but commissioned him as the Rock of His church!
It’s not too late! Like Peter who only had a small amount of time in which to make a difference, we can make good use of whatever time we have left as well. Peter prayed and obeyed. He made a commitment to serve, and the Holy Spirit did the rest!
“Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:14 ESV
“Lord, I ask that you help us use whatever time we have left to complete the purpose you designed specifically for us. Use us! May we be committed and empowered with the Holy Spirit, like Peter!!!” As Jesus said, ‘It is finished,’ may we be able to say, ‘Mission accomplished!’ In your precious name I pray! AMEN”