What a Difference a Day Makes

The older I get, the more I realize how quickly life is slipping by.  Yet I am growing older gracefully, and I say that because I have been saved by God’s grace.

One day I was deep in sin; the next, I was saved from it—no longer walking in defeat.  What a difference a day makes.

The Lord has been gracious and merciful to me for many years.  As I think back on my childhood, it seems like one day I was playing cowboys and Indians with my neighborhood friends, as we called it back then, and before I could blink twice, I was older and playing army with my buddies.  What a difference a day makes.

The headband and feathers were put away, along with the plastic tomahawk I had traded a friend for and the Native American armbands my mother sent away for using a few quarters and cereal box tops.  Soon, cap guns found their place in my toy box.

Before long, I received my driver’s license—a day I thought would never come.  Looking back, however, it arrived much too quickly, just as time always seems to do.

Before I knew it, I was married, and almost as quickly, my wife and I were raising three children.  I watched with fascination as they repeated many of the same things I had done growing up.

Today, I am Papa to six grandchildren, and just as quickly, I may one day become Papa to their children if the Lord allows me to live long enough.  Time certainly moves swiftly through my aging body with every heartbeat and every breath.  Yet it could be far worse, if you know what I mean.

More and more each day, I understand what the Bible says about our time on earth.  It is like a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.  Life passes quickly.

I thank the Lord for blessing me beyond measure since becoming a Christian.  My days have not been a drudgery but have been filled with joy and purpose because Jesus walks beside me and lives within me.

What more could a person ask for than peace and the lasting hope that the world cannot give—salvation through Jesus Christ?  As John 3:16 reminds us, God’s love made a way for all who believe.

What we are going to do for the Lord, we should do without delay.  We should not let grass grow under our feet.  Time is not standing still; it is slipping away like sand through an hourglass.

As people grow older, procrastination can quietly settle in.  It can lull them into thinking, “I’ve already done my part.  I’m too old to do anything now.”

There may be some truth to physical limitations, but I believe this: whenever God places something on our hearts and we are willing to step into the gap, He is pleased with our obedience, regardless of whether the task is large or small.

God never asks us to do something without also giving us the grace to accomplish it.  Through the Holy Spirit, He equips us to be His hands extended to others.  He prepares the way before His children, regardless of their age.

One of my greatest desires is to take someone with me to heaven.

I believe that when we live out genuine Christianity by demonstrating God’s love, people take notice.  They are drawn not to us, but to the One who has changed us.  That alone is a powerful ministry and should cause every child of God to rejoice in what Christ has done in their heart.

Obedience requires that we remain ready to share our faith and serve as Christ’s ambassadors whenever opportunities arise.  We should never close our hearts to compassion or convince ourselves that we are too old to be useful in God’s kingdom.

Before I retired, God gave me boldness to share my faith with others face-to-face.  Now that I am retired, I post encouraging messages on my blog that are read around the world.

It amazes me how God’s Word is being fulfilled through technology.  Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Technology has made it possible for me to share God’s love, His Word, and His promises with people who need guidance and encouragement across the globe.  What a difference a day makes in the age in which we live.

Today, we can reach people with the Good News that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and that through Him we can experience a brand-new life filled with grace, peace, and contentment.  When we confess our sins before God, He forgives us because of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who sacrificed His life for our redemption and paid the price for our sin.

Although I miss the one-on-one conversations I enjoyed when I was younger—telling others about Jesus—God has provided another avenue for my ministry.  Through my blog, my witness continues to reach others.

The thoughts and words God gives me not only bless my own heart as I write them, but I believe they also encourage those who read them. 

How do I know this?  Because of the promise found in Isaiah 55:11: “So is my word that goes out from my mouth; It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

I once read a helpful explanation of this verse: “It means that whenever God speaks, pronounces a decree, or makes a promise, it will invariably accomplish its intended purpose and fulfill His divine will.”

That is a wonderful summary of what this Scripture teaches.

So do not become discouraged by age.  Do not compare today’s opportunities with yesterday’s accomplishments.  God still has work for His people to do.

Intercessory prayer is one of the most powerful ministries available to every believer.  It is a mighty work done behind the scenes.  God answers sincere prayers, and this ministry can be carried out from a prayer closet, a family room, a hospital bed, or while lying awake at night before drifting off to sleep.

Be encouraged.  Joshua 1:9 says: “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd