Frail, Weak, Transient, Fleeting Life
Seldom do we humans sit down and consider our state, our condition. More often we see our strength, our ability. It takes health shaking news to wake us up.
My health proving my weakness
I was 58 years old before I realized I was weak at all. I never went to the doctor. I could live anywhere, eat anything, survive without sleep, walk all day, or whatever I needed to do. Then:
I woke up at a camp for young people, where I was the Keynote Speaker, challenging young people to consider what God might do with their lives. That morning, I woke up without a message on my heart, which was totally unusual for me. God always placed what He wanted me to preach on my heart.
Concerned, I asked over and over what He wanted. Nothing came. I went to the bathroom. Betty was still asleep. I urinated, and when I looked down, I saw I was urinating blood. I knew then why I hadn’t gotten a message; it was because we were off to the emergency room.
I lost my right kidney in that surgery. It was hard recovering for me because I had never been so weak and in need of help. A couple of friends assisted me with the smallest of tasks, and I felt embarrassed.
But I got well, and the thought occurred that not even Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma (kidney cancer) could stop me. That was oh so foolish.
Then came May 2020. I had Covid and didn’t even know it. Due to a lack of oxygen, I had no idea what was happening, though I continued to operate semi-normally. They put me on a ventilator for 21 days, paralyzing me and placing me in a medically induced coma. I was in the hospital for 30 days, and I lost a complete month of even my memories. They told my family I wouldn’t live and if I did, I would never be normal.
But I recovered.
Then, the Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma returned. The doctors diagnosed me with stage 4 kidney cancer and decided to provide palliative care. I became so weak that I could barely function. I suffered from horrible diarrhea. Life was miserable.
Then, a surgeon said he could get the cancer. He took out both adrenal glands and my right testicle. Now, I can’t stay alive without taking steroids every day of my life. Without adrenal glands your body throws you into fits of depression and anxiety that I had to learn to overcome and still deal with. If I miss the medicine, the doctor says I will be dead in less than 48 hours.
Well, the conclusion of the matter is that I am frail and weak and have a transient or fleeting life, just like you do.
Bible Truth
The Bible has a great deal to say about this truth.
Lord, Make me to know mine end, And the measure of my days, what it is; That I may know how frail I am. 5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; And mine age is as nothing before thee: Verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. 6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: Surely they are disquieted in vain: He heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. Psalm 39:4–6.
The psalmist was wise to desire to know the brevity of his life. Our lives are going to end, and they are measured and short. We are weak, and because we do not understand our lives, we live ridiculously. God has a purpose for us, and we should find it. Life is not about me and my stuff, but about God and His goodness.
Take these truths to meditate on
Life is short, so live life on purpose and love every moment.
Focus on what matters and what has true meaning.
Live to help others because you realize your weaknesses. You want to see others (notice them), be kind, and show compassion.
Value your time and take advantage of your opportunities.
Live humbly before God and seek to know Him. He loves you.
Realize that your spiritual life is more important than your financial life or any other.
Live a positive life, don’t take, give
Be grateful, express appreciation, love, and kindness.
Let go of the past. You do not have time to hold on to regrets, anxieties, bitterness, or hurt. Focus on now and see God’s hand in your life.
Leave the world a better place than you found it. Live on purpose and make an impact for the cause of God and right.
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