and agrippa said to paul, “in a short time would you persuade me to be a christian?” and paul said, “whether short or long, i would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as i am—except for these chains.” acts 26:28-29
as i have grown in maturity in Christ, something that i have learned is this: we don’t get to control how long we have to minister to people.
a line from ct studd’s poem sums it up:
‘only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.’
we may only have an interaction across a fast-food counter with someone, or we may be able to walk with them for years. when we are in the presence of God, when we abide with him daily, we will more readily recognize these fleeting moments, and we will grab ahold of them with both hands:
but exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. [hebrews 3:13]
and let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. [galatians 6:9]
we do have a choice what or who we will serve, right now–take your cell phone out: text a brother or sister in need of encouragement, remind them the gospel! like paul, tell everyone around you the good news of Jesus Christ!
~ conor eastman