4 minute read
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” (James 4:1 NIV)
Our biggest fights are with ourselves.
Internal conflict is a universal struggle. Nothing illuminates the ultimate acceptance of mortality more than COVID. No one likes to think about death, but this virus makes us all think about it. Accepting the fact, when it’s your time, it’s your time is hard. But just because the realization is difficult doesn’t make it any less real. Our battle is in the acceptance of the truth.
A few weeks ago, one of my best friends and I were discussing death. As I shared my struggle with her, she confirmed the truth. “When it’s your time, it’s your time.” I told her I know; her next words are what I’ve thought about since. “But you don’t believe me.” She was right; I didn’t believe her. Why don’t I believe her? At this point, my answer is: “Because I don’t want to.” I don’t want to accept the truth. Instead, I want to change the answer, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t.
Accepting truth isn’t admitting defeat.
Our internal struggles diminish as we learn to accept God’s truth. Lessening our inner battles allows us to find peace. Finding peace isn’t losing the fight; it’s gaining victory in God. As we lean into His word more, we trust His ways. Acknowledging God has a plan for our lives, and it’s better than any we could devise, gives Him control.
People fear COVID because they fear death. Trusting God means understanding; He overcame death. Jesus’s actions on the cross are what gives us eternal life. Eternity is here; we’re already in it. When we die, our physical bodies may no longer breathe, but our Spirit is with God. Our eternity began the moment we accepted Christ into our lives. If God calls us home, we’re just changing addresses. Eventually, we’re all together again. But when it’s your time to move, it’s your time to move:
“Help us to remember that our days are numbered, and help us to interpret our lives correctly. Set your wisdom deeply in our hearts so that we may accept your correction.” (Psalm 90:12 TPT)
COVID reminds us of our limitations. Instead of living in fear, embrace today. Remember Paul’s words:
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21 NIV)
Our stay on earth is pre-determined by God. While we are here, He has a purpose for us. We are to live life to the fullest (John 10:10 NIV). When we achieve our goal, He calls us home. The mortality rate is 100% on earth, eternal life 100% in heaven.
Stop quarreling internally. Accept God’s truth. Live life to the fullest.
Question of the Day:
What truth do you need to accept today?
Further Reading: Ezekiel 40:28-41:26 NIV, James 4 NIV, Psalm 118:19-29 NIV, Proverbs 28:3-5 NIV
