On January 14th, 2020, I had reason to consult an actuarial table concerning my life expectancy. That particular source suggested that I had 4,006 days left here on planet earth. Well, some three years later, I now have about 2,611 days left.
I realize that those tables are general estimates and not expected to be used as a “countdown calendar.” But looking at our lives in that light might be instructive. Remember that Psalm 90:12 does tell us “… to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
This past Sunday, as Pastor Jason had us focus on our own Promised Land (a place where Christ reigns supreme in our hearts and minds), we realized that past spiritual victories do strengthen us for our future challenges. And then he reminded us that our time and our opportunities are indeed limited. It is important that we stay focused on the chances He does give us and use that time and energy to get the job done.
In pursuit of spiritual victory, we need to ask ourselves these key questions:
1. Where has God placed us?
2. What are our responsibilities, relationships, and rhythms?
3. What gifts has God given us?
4. Where is there room to grow?
5. What do we fear?
Maybe this week is a great opportunity to sit down and actually write out the answers to those five questions. That exercise might help us focus on some specific steps we need to take towards spiritual victory.
Questions 1-3 are relatively easy. God did all the heavy lifting on those. But Question 4 is a tough one. We need to be REALLY honest with ourselves. (Remember, God knows our ways and thoughts—Psalm 139:3-4). Where are our spiritual weak spots? What is the sin (or sins) that so easily entangles us (Hebrews 12:1)? And how do our fears and worries enmesh themselves in with our sin and make it even harder to have victory?
Followers of Jesus want to please Him and find joy in the life He has given us. We just need to remember that we don’t have “all day” to get it done! (Or in my case, 2,611 days to get it done.)
I realize that those tables are general estimates and not expected to be used as a “countdown calendar.” But looking at our lives in that light might be instructive. Remember that Psalm 90:12 does tell us “… to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
This past Sunday, as Pastor Jason had us focus on our own Promised Land (a place where Christ reigns supreme in our hearts and minds), we realized that past spiritual victories do strengthen us for our future challenges. And then he reminded us that our time and our opportunities are indeed limited. It is important that we stay focused on the chances He does give us and use that time and energy to get the job done.
In pursuit of spiritual victory, we need to ask ourselves these key questions:
1. Where has God placed us?
2. What are our responsibilities, relationships, and rhythms?
3. What gifts has God given us?
4. Where is there room to grow?
5. What do we fear?
Maybe this week is a great opportunity to sit down and actually write out the answers to those five questions. That exercise might help us focus on some specific steps we need to take towards spiritual victory.
Questions 1-3 are relatively easy. God did all the heavy lifting on those. But Question 4 is a tough one. We need to be REALLY honest with ourselves. (Remember, God knows our ways and thoughts—Psalm 139:3-4). Where are our spiritual weak spots? What is the sin (or sins) that so easily entangles us (Hebrews 12:1)? And how do our fears and worries enmesh themselves in with our sin and make it even harder to have victory?
Followers of Jesus want to please Him and find joy in the life He has given us. We just need to remember that we don’t have “all day” to get it done! (Or in my case, 2,611 days to get it done.)
Sherry Worel
Sherry Worel is a Bible teacher at heart and lives a life of ministry. She’s been involved at Coast Hills teaching Women’s LIFE, Bible studies, online courses, devotionals, participating in Upstream conversations, and much more. Having a love for education, Sherry has over 50 years of teaching experience with schools, churches, and mission agencies. As well as earning her Master’s at Talbot Seminary, she rounded out her education with 35 years as Head of School at Stoneybrooke Christian School. Sherry is happiest with a book or fishing pole in hand.