How long will you live?
Do you ever wonder how long you will live? The Bible says, ‘The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.’ (Psalm 90:10 NKJV) Why do some of us live longer than others? Paul answers, ‘We know in part and we prophesy in part.’ (1 Corinthians 13:9 NKJV) But here are three things you can be sure of:
(1) You can lengthen your life by obeying God and shorten it by disobeying Him. Fighting illness and facing death, Hezekiah prayed, ‘Remember, Lord, how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in Your eyes.’ (2 Kings 20:3 NIV) God answered, ‘I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you… l will add fifteen years to your life.’ (2 Kings 20:5–6 NIV) So, does God still heal today? Yes, His Word says, ‘Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord… and the Lord will make you well.’ (James 5:14–15 NLT)
(2) When their work on earth is done, the redeemed go to Heaven. Paul describes Heaven in two words: ‘far better’. (Philippians 1:23 ESV) And the architect, builder, and designer of your heavenly home is Jesus, the One who said, ‘I go to prepare a place for you.’ (John 14:2 KJV) At home with Jesus—try to imagine what that will be like.
(3) If you’re worried about death, claim God’s promise: ‘With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.’ (Psalm 91:16 NIV)