When Time Feels Short, Purpose Grows
This month always reminds me that I’m getting older.
Why? Because it’s my birthday!
Aging comes with nuances you can’t fully grasp until you’re in the “fourth quarter” of life. I’ve lived through the other three—and they were just the warm-up. The earlier stages prepare us for the real test: how we handle nearing the finish line—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
It’s funny how most of us have an age we still feel stuck in. That internal version of ourselves that surprises us when we catch a glimpse in the mirror. And even then, we blame it on bad lighting or a poor night’s sleep.
Recently, aging caught my husband off guard—like a blow that came out of nowhere. He had no symptoms and had been thoroughly enjoying these twilight years: still working full-time, exercising daily, and taking frequent mini-vacations.
But one medical test changed everything.
It revealed severe heart damage.
This is a man who could practically be called bionic—he’s had over 20 orthopedic surgeries and takes each one in stride without a single complaint. But this diagnosis? It rocked him.
And it rocked me.
Suddenly, our conversations shifted from the day-to-day to preparing for the unknown.
We found ourselves making consequential decisions much sooner than we had ever expected. The irony is, most of us walk around assuming we have plenty of time—until, one day, we don’t.
Naturally, fear crept in. Despite knowing in my heart that God is sovereign, that our days are numbered, that heaven is real, and that the Christian principles I’ve always believed still stand—my spirit was still shaken.
That’s when I thought of King Hezekiah of Judah.
In 2 Kings 20:1–6, the prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah to get his house in order because he was going to die. Hezekiah didn’t take the news lightly. He turned his face to the wall, prayed earnestly, and wept bitterly—pleading with God to remember his faithfulness.
And God heard him.
He sent Isaiah back with a new message: fifteen more years of life.
Can you imagine knowing exactly how much time you have left? Would you live with more intention and gratitude? Would every day feel like a gift? Or would you grow complacent, forgetting God’s goodness and forging your own path?
Sadly, Hezekiah’s bonus years were filled with poor decisions that ultimately contributed to Judah’s downfall. His legacy suffered.
In many ways, I’m grateful we don’t know how much time we have.
It challenges us to live each day with purpose—sober-minded and intentional.
I want to use my time, talents, and treasures wisely and for His glory.
Hezekiah’s story is a powerful reminder that God hears and responds to our sincere prayers—especially those private, desperate ones. And I know He heard mine.
The result was nothing short of miraculous: the unexpected news that no procedure was necessary. Somehow, my husband’s body had formed its own intricate network of capillaries—tiny, natural detours carrying blood to his heart. A miracle in every sense.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).
It felt like a divine memo from God that my husband’s work on earth wasn’t done.
God hears His children’s prayers. And whether the outcome is more years now or better years spent in eternity, He knows what’s best. Nothing escapes His notice, and His mercy is everlasting.
So, like Hezekiah, we will continue to pray boldly—but be diligent to guard the time God gives us. Because it is our legacy that lives on after our time here on earth.
Whatever season we find ourselves in, we are called to live with intention—guarding our faith, relying on God’s sovereignty, and trusting His perfect plan.
