Live with Purpose or Die Trying!

Here’s a fun thought: How do you think you’re going to die?

It’s a fact of life. It’s inevitable. Even though we all live different lives, follow different paths and are dealt different cards we all end up dying.

The other day I found myself at the longest red light in town and began reading the airbag warning. As I read I thought to myself I sure hope that I’ll never have to use them. A couple of weeks ago I was informed of someone who had just been diagnosed with cancer and I began wondering what, if any, form of cancer I might one day get or will I have a stroke, develop a form of diabetes or die in a car accident. Which after any thought like that comes the fearful, but honest thought: How am I going to die? Of course quickly followed by the want to just live in a bubble or compound where everything was sterile and outlined in bubble wrap and no one has any violent tendencies or prone to accidents.

Wouldn’t it put your mind at ease to know how and when your end would come or even decide to live life ‘safe,’ free from any risk or to choose to follow every doctor’s report about eating ‘this super food’ or try ‘that new drug’ so you could prevent X?

The sad fact is that there is nothing more we can do to prevent death or rid our lives of fear except to simply make the most of each day and remind ourselves that if we have the Big Guy in our corner there is nothing for us to fear (psalms 118:6). It’s easier said than done, but if we have a belief in Him, and trust in the Holy Spirit in our lives, nothing will be impossible for us. We can move mountains, live life fully and without having to just lay it up. It’s through the Spirit that we have been given the strength to overcome anything by the spirit of power, love and self-discipline (2 Tim 1:7) that we have been given by God. But it comes into our lives, and into our hearts, when we choose to accept this relationship with God and pray for the Holy Spirit to make us stronger – to be more Christ like in all that we do.

It’s a great thought to reflect on this Lenten season. Let go of our fears regardless of what those may be. Whether it’s the fear of snakes, heights, being shot down by a girl, clowns, complacency, falling flat on your ass or even death lift it up in prayer and move mountains with reckless abandon. It is said that one of the greatest fears is the fear of the unknown, but the unknown is also one of life’s biggest adventures and a loving, fruitful one if you just trust you’ll be safely guided along the way.

Until next time…