One Year to Live?
In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.’” – Isaiah 38:1.
What if? What if God said to us that you only have one year to live. What if we knew because of disease that we had at the most one year to live? Would we live our lives any differently than we have been living it? I have no doubt that I would be a more committed and courageous person having a time limit on life.
If we knew we only had one year to live, wouldn’t we be in deeper communication with our Lord than ever before? Wouldn’t we spend more time in prayer, reading the Bible, and be more faithful in attending church? I believe I would be.
If we knew we only had one year to live, wouldn’t we live our lives in such a way that others would see Jesus when they looked at our lives? Wouldn’t we be better stewards of the material things that God has blessed us with? Wouldn’t we be telling others about how to have salvation?
Last Sunday morning (in 1999) I shared a message much like the one above with my church family. I then asked them to make a private commitment between themselves and God. Commitment cards were passed out to facilitate making those commitments. I want to give you that opportunity as well:
A “One Year To Live” kind of commitment!
I commit myself to: (Check those you agree to do.)
Give my life completely to the Lord ____
Spend more time with God ____
Serve others in such a way that they might see Jesus ____
Be a better steward of the things God has blessed me with ____
To dare to share with others the Good News of Jesus Christ ____
Prayer of Commitment: “Dear Heavenly Father, please show me, reveal to me exactly how You want these commitments to be fulfilled in my heart and life. Please empower me and enable me to be obedient to you and to fulfill these commitments. In Jesus Name I ask. Amen.”
(This devotional has been updated and was originally written and sent by email on 01.07.1999.)