If Not Now – When?

Random questions for today: How old are you? In that secret place inside of you, how old do you think you will be when you die?

I do not watch television newscasts. I go online & I scan through various online news sites & that is how I keep up with local and world news. I like to choose what I believe is newsworthy to my life. But even with this personal filter, I cannot deny that there is much to keep my prayer life active as I ask for the wisdom and strength of not only world leaders but also my children and grandchildren who will live in this world.

• Do you believe that the terrorist attack of 9/11 was a one time U.S. incident? Or will it happen again?
• Do you believe that peace will come to the Middle East? Is there a possibility of war involving North Korea and China?
• Do you have a family history of cancer? Or heart disease? Drug addiction or alcoholism?
• Is “job security” possible or a myth from previous generations?

As you read through those questions, did you think I was an alarmist by asking the questions or are you now thinking you had better stop reading this and pray?

When will I realize how fragile life in this world is? I was not born with a guarantee from the Creator attached to my behind stating that I will continue to live for 90 years! This should not be a thought that drags me down into melancholy and depression, but one that Fires Me Up to make the MOST of the day! If in that secret place inside of me where Truth lives, I know that any day could be my last one here on this earth, what am I going to do differently today?

There are people in my life that I love so very much and I would like to spend an eternal amount of time with them! I know how that can happen because Father God, Creator of all, has made a way for everyone to live for all eternity with Him. Have I shared that with everyone that I love? And what about people out there who aren’t my friends – yet? Is there anyone that I meet that I would be ‘OK” if they ended up in Hell?

There are some people who are called to be evangelists. They generally stand in a pulpit in front of 25 or 250,000 people and share the Good News of Jesus. I was not called to do that.

There are also people who walk through life with their eyes wide open, looking for opportunities to share how Jesus has changed their lives with a simple, heartfelt story. I am called to do that!

I do not see it as a difficult task to answer the question: How do I make it through any given day?

How do I communicate and encourage my children?
How do I make ends meet when there is more month than money?
How do I face the violence of this world with peace in my spirit?
How do I receive “bad news” with strength beyond me?

The answer is: I don’t. But I have Someone who is “closer than a brother.” I have Someone who is the Creator of all; my Savior and Redeemer; my true BFF; my Comforter; Father and Brother.

When I have no money, He will supply all I need.
When I do not know what to do, He is my Wisdom.
When others forget to care about me, He is where I run to and always find peace.
And when I die, He will be right there to show me the way home.

If I put off today what I know needs to done or needs to be said – then when?!! How many more days will I have before there are no more for me? If not now? When?

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.                   –  Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)

In a Little While written and sung by Amy Grant