Our Life
by Harold Smith
from Jerusalem, Israel
"He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." John 12:25
Isn't that an encouraging topic to begin an article with? But, it is the truth. Every single one of us will not escape this existence with our flesh intact. The world is in an all out, frontal assault to try to convince us otherwise. That we will live forever, or that the best existence is to try to prolong our life for as long as possible; but, the truth is - we are all going to die.
I knew a man for the better part of two decades who, when his body began to fail and the best the medical profession had to offer told him that to preserve his life he would have to allow the doctors to carve him up (and even that would not guarantee his existence), told them "No thanks. My time is up. I would rather to begin spending eternity with the Life Giver today."
I spent a final few hours with this grand saint before he just went to sleep, never to awaken. So noble and courageous was his exit, just stepping across the threshold without fear because He knew in whom He had believed - I wondered then and have since often thought, "How will I behave in the face of my own death?" We don't ever know - really know - how we will act in certain situations until we actually GET there. This question has been one that has always lingered in the back of my mind, leaving me wondering, "Will I be able to even approach that kind of stature when it comes my turn?"
On September 9, 2007, two days prior to my 60th birthday, My Lord gave me the best birthday present I could have ever wished for. He gave me the opportunity to clearly know what was in my heart concerning this issue of life and death as the most intense pain this old body has ever endured gripped by chest, ran down the inside of my left arm, made sore the tightened muscles in my jaw, and left me, literally, breathless.
My first reaction, what immediately leapt out of my spirit, was to say, "Lord, if this is it - if my time on earth is done - I am ready. I have had all of this earthly experience I care for." There were many things that transpired that day, but the one that I was most aware of was - because I was not concerned about preserving my life - I had no fear. I could have easily embraced fear if I had given over to the "what if's" that began their arguments in my mind - but it was clear to me that was my choice.
Fear is a choice - not a feeling, not a spirit - a choice. Fear can expand into feeling or a spirit but, initially, it is a choice. From both sides of the book we are admonished over and over to Fear not, Fret not, Be not discouraged, Be not dismayed. These are commands, not entreaties. Those who will not inherit the Kingdom are listed in (Revelation 21:8). At the top and first on the list are "they that fear." What is it they are fearful of? Losing their life - and these come before the unbelieving.
This pain in my chest went on for several hours. I had called a friend who just quit the medical profession after over 20 years to be available to the Lord in His Service. After telling him what I was experiencing, he said, "Harold, I have seen this hundreds of times and what you are describing to me are classic, textbook symptoms of blockage in your heart." He went on to say, "As a physician, I would have to tell you to call the paramedics (there was a brief pause); but as your brother I need to ask you - what is the Lord saying?"
My youngest son, who was living with me at the time called the paramedics. I had to tell him to call back and cancel them from coming because I had not heard the Father say to do that. So, while my friend felt led of the Holy Spirit to pray for a new heart in my body - I laid down and took a nap. After all, it is because of Him we even have life.
This is the manner in which the Body of Christ should operate; not being concerned with our own existence, trials and troubles, not seeking our own aggrandizement, but looking upon the things of our brethren as being of more importance than our own.
We have stepped over the threshold into an epochal era in which we are witnessing the fulfillment of all scripture. How we behave with our lives in this era will determine our station for all eternity. If we are to be prepared for what is before us, we must have settled in our heart where our treasure lies. I leave you with this article written over thirty years ago by a dear, departed saint who was acquainted with death and hardship more than a few times in her life - Corrie ten Boom. The article is "Prepared for Tribulation" and to read it will place a unique perspective on your life for the days to come. Click Here to Read the Article.