Aug 17 – Only One Life!

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2a)

God has graciously given every human being only one life on this earth. Our earthly lifespan is brief, and the season of God’s grace is also limited. We are passing swiftly through this temporary world, living here as strangers and pilgrims.

Every person born into this world must inevitably face four significant realities: birth, life, death, and life after death. The Bible declares: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)

The Lord did not bring you into this world merely to increase its population or to drift through life without purpose. He has a definite plan and a clear purpose for your life. The One who formed you in your mother’s womb had already ordained His purpose for you long before you were born. Your life is not an accident.

The Lord says: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born, I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

Seek the Lord concerning His purpose for your life. Pray, “Lord, You who knew Jeremiah before he was formed in the womb and called him to be Your prophet, what is Your will for my life?”

The Apostle Paul asked the same question. “Lord, what do You want me to do?” (Acts 9:6) The Lord answered, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Just as He had promised, the Lord revealed His will to Paul, saying: “For he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.” (Acts 9:15)

Some people despair and say, “I don’t know why I was ever born. Why should I continue living? It would be better to end my life.” Such words of hopelessness should never come from the lips of God’s children.

Likewise, some parents, frustrated by a disobedient child, lament, “I don’t know why you were born to me. You have brought me nothing but trouble. It would have been better if you had died.” Such words should never be spoken in moments of pain or anger.

Dear children of God, never allow grief to lead you into speaking such destructive words. Instead, commit your children into the Lord’s hands. He is able to bless them, transform them, and raise them up according to His perfect purpose.

Verse for further meditation: “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand.” (Psalm 31:14–15)