Information Related to "Life Is Fragile... Handle With Care"
| Audio/Video |
In life we often have trouble knowing how to deal with certain situations, but God knows our needs and is always there for us.
One afternoon I tried to comfort my nephew, who obviously wasn’t feeling well. He is only two, so he is not yet able to express verbally what is wrong; all he could do was cry. I struggled to comfort him-to figure out what I could do to make him feel better.
We grow into adulthood with our education, experiences, drive, and ambition leading us to feel like the world is ours. But it isn’t too long before we realize, just like everyone else, that we are susceptible to life. People we love die. There are illnesses, disappointments, financial struggles, health issues, etc. During these times we can’t even express how sorrowful we are-like my nephew-but our Father knows.
Unlike a physical parent (or aunt) who isn’t quite sure how to fix what is wrong or what will bring comfort, God knows all about our issues even before we express what is wrong. God and our elder brother Jesus Christ know our hearts, our needs, our desires and wants. So when all we can do is cry, God understands. “Shall not God search this out for He knoweth the secrets of the heart” (Psalm 44:21, King James Version). “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts” (Psalm 139:23).
Later the same evening I was driving home and a little rabbit darted out in front of my car. I was able to stop safely to give him time to cross, but he froze. I waited and dimmed my lights so he would not be afraid, then he timidly made his way to the curb. It reminded me of how Jesus told us that God knows when even a sparrow dies. “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows”(Luke 12:6-7).
It brings great comfort to know the Creator of the universe knows when the least of His creatures suffers. When life causes me to freeze and shake in fear, like the rabbit, and when I don’t know if I should turn back or keep going, God has His eye on me; He is guiding me. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Often in the process of living, we lose site of the value of life; not just the worth of life itself, but the real value of life. The memories and experiences we share, the touches and smiles, all add to the value. We can get caught up in society and the significance it places on life. All too often we don't base value on the life itself, but on what that life can do for us individually. Society often assigns value based on a “get” mentality-the more you can offer me the more valuable you will be in my life. God’s way of life is one of giving and He valued us before we even recognized Him in our lives and He gave His son for us. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners , Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, emphasis added).
Our life is fragile. We need our Father and our Savior to help us understand their will; to comfort and guide us, to give us hope and a future. When we are repentant, we need to obey and rely on them. And we need each other to share the life we have been given; to grow and encourage one another, to wipe tears, hold hands and to laugh.
So, how valuable is life to us? Do we make time for others? Are we careful with our words and the love we show in our relationships? Do we take the time to try to understand, to try to see the heart, or are we like the rabbit frozen with a fear that keeps us from moving forward or experiencing the life God has for us?
Life is indeed fragile. Handle yours and others with the same care that our loving Father and Brother have for all of mankind.
For more helpful information please read the Bible study aid: Making Life Work
©1995-2022 United Church of God, an International AssociationRelated Information:
Other Articles by Amy Stephens
Origin of article "Life Is Fragile... Handle With Care"
Keywords: needs value of life
God's help: