What would you do if you were sick and God sent word to you that it was over for you? You would never get well. Today’s article is about just such a time.
2 Kings 20 tells us the amazing story of King Hezekiah’s illness. He lay on his sick bed when God sent word to him that he would die. Hezekiah wept before God and asked for more time. The prophet of God came back and gave him good news. 2 Kings 20:5-6
5 “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says:I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord. 6 I will add fifteen years to your life.
When you are teenager or even in your early adult years, this verse seems like just another Bible verse. When you get past middle age, this verse is thought provoking, especially the words, “I will add 15 years to your life “
Suppose God came to you and said you have 15 more years to live, what would you do?
Seriously, what would this provoke you to do? Here is my response.
First, I would be grateful. None of us is guaranteed another day, but to be assured of 15 years ought to provoke us to dream dreams and set goals. I know that is wrong thinking because we ought to live each day as though it is to be our last and dream dreams like we will live forever. Nevertheless it might give us reasons to dream about the next 15 years.
Second, I would turn my mind toward legacy. I would want to know what I could leave behind. Solomon left the book of Proverbs for his children and his his children’s children. Ever person needs to plan for and think about their legacy. Wander through a cemetery and you always stumble upon the words written in granite “Gone but not forgotten.” That which really is not forgotten is your legacy.
Finally, I would resolve to enjoy the days God has given me. Every day of your life draws you closer to eternity, but while you are here, enjoy this day. It is God’s gift to you.
God has another life planned for you, but use the next 15 years wisely.
Lonnie Davis