by This morning I slept in. My family went to a camp and after I saw them out the door, I went back to bed. I didn’t think I’d sleep much, but I feel fast asleep and didn’t get up until after 10am.
As I went into the kitchen, the timing was perfect. God’s timing always is perfect. I looked out the kitchen window to see what I thought was a beautiful sight. It had rained much the previous days and ended with a heavy downpour last night. Everything was soaked from all the rain. Our shed has a metal roof, and the sun was brightly shining. Sunbeams could be seen as the moisture on our shed roof was evaporating into the sunbeams. I’ve seen this a few times before and always thought how lovely it was to actually see evaporation in the process, and to see God’s handiwork continuing on as the cycle of life goes on day after day.
However, I also knew, this event of evaporation wouldn’t last long. I grabbed my phone and ran outside and did the best I could to capture the vapor disappearing into the sunbeams. I took a few photos and went back inside and that was it. This whole evaporation event was gone. Just a few minutes of beauty and glory and it was gone. If others were unable to see this event, they missed a special moment of beauty. There are other places this event could have happened, like around the water we live nearby and forests. I’ve had the blessing of seeing this event happen as the vapor disappeared off forest trees, their leaves, and the forest floor. It was a beautiful morning event I shared with one of my daughters. Another time, the vapor was going up off the water at a harbour near our house when I went out for sunrise photos. I’ve never forgotten that morning as well. Those times taught me this event does not last for long, but those events are also something I remember as an enjoyable moment in time.
Well by now, many of you may know what I’m getting too. Yes, the famous verse in the Bible that we like to quote but also like to ignore.
James 4:14 “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
I think, all too often, we really don’t think our life is a vapor. We believe it goes on and on – but it does not. Especially when trials, difficulties, and age creep up on us, we feel as if life will never end; but it will end. It will end and it will end quickly and only a few of those around us will have the blessing of enjoying our life or enjoying our vapor.
What memories will those around you have of your life? Those memories will only last for a brief period of time. Sadness and sorrow after a funeral will soon disappear into fond memories that will also soon vanish into just a photo in a book that will also disappear as people further down the road don’t even know the person in the photo in the book and the book is put with a pile of things into a thrift store.
When your vapor has vanished what glories in heaven will you be enjoying? What have you done for the Lord? How many prayers have you lifted up to heaven on someone’s behalf? How much help have you been to your Pastor and church? How many tracts have you handed out? What have you given up on this side of Glory to attain rewards in heaven? How much time, money, things, or life-long goals? Remember, even though we may think life goes on forever – it doesn’t. “…It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
This was a brief thought God gave to me this morning as the vapor vanished off my shed’s roof. I’ve also heard the phrase “Only one life, twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” Here is the whole poem by C.T. Studd to help us think about our life as a vapour.
“Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”
C.T Studd
