Cathe-0038

At the park where I jog, the sycamore trees are starting to drop their crisp leaves on the paths.

The cliffs overlooking the Pacific are scattered with clusters of dried wildflowers that just a month ago wore color combinations too flashy for my wardrobe. Today, they wear the darkening shades of brown, rust, and beige.

Early this morning, I stopped to touch the delicate blossoms, only to watch as they turned to powder in my hand. Seeds, no doubt, meant for another spring.  The field, once arrayed with glory that even Solomon couldn’t rival, now stands withered and faded in the chilly autumn breeze.

Forgive me, if this sounds melancholy. I don’t mean to be. It really should stop us, breathless with wonder, to consider how quickly the summer’s beauty faded into fall.

Isaiah tells us, “The grass withers the flowers fade but the word of the Lord endures forever.” What is true of nature is true of life. Nothing will last forever. Not flowers, not beauty, not wealth, not intelligence, not fame.

So, if nothing lasts, what is our raison d’être, our reason for being? We want things to last. We are wired that way.

May I suggest that perhaps we are seeking the wrong things or, should I say, the wrong One? If it is anything other than seeking the glory and immortality that God alone can give, trust me, you will grow cynical.

Yes, life is short and it will be hard at times, but oh, dear sister, if you believe in Jesus and the words of the Bible, then you have that reason for living, and it is a life that neither time or sickness or tragedy can take from you.

Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life” (John 5:24).

Take a closer look at the tense of the verb Jesus uses: “He who believes in Him . . . has everlasting life.” Not will have, but already has.

And this everlasting life is guaranteed to be filled with undying, unending glory that we will share because of our maginficent Savior!