“Teach us to number our days” (Ps. 90:12).

We have a large, flat stone on our front porch that says “Grow old along with me; the best is yet to be.” For the Christian, this is a great truth; for the unbeliever, it is a horrible deception.

There is a dear lady named Janice who, at this very moment, is numbering her final days on this earth. She and her husband and children have fought a long and valiant fight to keep her here as long as possible, but now she’s tired and ready to go home. Her part of the struggle will soon be over, and she will experience for all eternity the truth that “the best is yet to be.” But her husband and children’s struggle will continue, even though they know they will see Janice again. This dear lady is one of the finest, most dedicated Christians any of us could ever hope to meet. In addition, she is a writer, an author, a speaker—a precious minister of God’s grace and mercy.

Janice has numbered her days well. She has poured out her life for the gospel, and she has been an exemplary role model for many. When her husband brought her to speak to us in Denver last July, she looked thin and weary—but full of joy and victory. She has faded fast since then, and is now down to days, or possibly even hours. But even as the last of her earthly life is being poured out as an offering and the time of her departure draws near (see 2 Tim. 4:6), she still ministers to many, reminding us that it is only those things with eternal value that matter.

May her life—and death—cause us all to take a moment today to pause and pray for dear Janice and her family as they prepare to say their temporary goodbyes—and also to ask God to help us number our own days as well, even as we work to honor Him with our words….

Communicating the vision… (Hab.2:2)
alandkathi@ca.rr.com
www.kathimacias.com

Labels: weekly devotions