Once in a Lifetime

I vividly remember standing on the steps of the Great Wall two summers ago, gazing at God's creation and taking in all the beauty in the hills of China. It was breathtaking and will be forever a memory impressed on my heart. It was my first time to go outside of the United States, and a trip that broadened my perspective and view of the Lord's greatness. To me, that trip seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity. This past week I was reminded that just as that summer felt like an opportunity and moment that may only happen once in my life, our lives here on earth are exactly the same. The Lord has given us one lifetime to use, and to use for Him. We have on shot to make a lasting impression in this world. At the most, I have about 70 more years to do all that He has intended for me. Will I let that go to waste? As believers, we are called to follow Jesus with everything we have. And the wonderful thing about that is that our God is worthy of our constant praise. He is worthy of living a life that points directly at Him and that strives to make an eternal difference in the lives of others we interact with.

Paul states in Ephesians 1:6 (NIV), "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." The Message translation states, "While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere." What a challenge and charge! To not possess idle hands or be distracted by paths that may seem fulfilling, but lead to an end of emptiness. I want to strive to RUN for Christ throughout this life He has given me.

Briana Gray
Administrative Assistant