You Are A Vapor...

(repost from 04-30-10)
Jas 4:14-15 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that." (nasb)

I was reminded this week just how precious life here on earth is. A young man who is friends with my son Austin Hiatt was killed in a vehicle accident and his passing has greatly impacted the lives of the many people who knew him. He was a vibrant young man full of life and enthusiasm and he had many hopes and dreams left to live for. Unfortunately his life was cut short... His opportunity to continue to make a difference in the lives of others was taken away and now all that is left is the memories in the hearts of those who knew him and loved him.

Or is that the end of the story?

SAMUEL ISSAC ELKINS
age 18
Happy Valley, OR

James reminds us that we don't know what our life will be like tomorrow. We are a vapor. When I think on that phrase I think of a tea pot blowing out steam. Once the pot is removed from the heat source the steam vanishes, there is nothing left... Our life here on earth is a vapor when we contrast it to eternity with Jesus. However, God promises in His word that He works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. The life of young Sam may be complete on this earth, but there will be good that comes from his shortened life and it is promised. We don't know how, when, or what that will be but we long for God to comfort and reveal Himself during this struggle.

What are you going to do with your life today? If the Lord wills we will have the opportunity to take another breath tomorrow. If the Lord wills it! God is sovereign and in control of all the things that go on in our life good or bad and He desires to use them for His eternal purpose. Is the pain of losing someone so young difficult to bear? You bet it is...but trying to remember that God is in control and doing many things to bring glory to Himself and good to His people gives us a comfort that far outweighs the pain of losing a loved one.

1Jn 2:17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. (nasb)

Lord God, we ask for comfort in this time of loss for the friends and family of our friend Sam. He was a young man with much opportunity and it appears to us that nothing good can come from such a loss as this. But you are faithful Lord and we trust you and we are prepared to see you work in the lives of many because of the loss of this young man. Be with his mother and father today and for a long time as they grieve the loss of their precious child. Amen