“Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
When I think of those words from the poem by C.T. Studd, I wonder how much is lasting in my life. Evaluating what I’ve done, and the choices I’ve made. How much is lasting?
To be honest, I haven’t been “on top of my game” as a follower of Christ. I’ve been lazy and irresponsible. Golly, am I ever so thankful that God is gracefully revealing that to me. That He loves me enough to show me that He wants me. That He’s giving me this amazing opportunity to serve Him around the world. Not that I couldn’t serve Him here, but He cares enough about me to show His love in this manner.
I couldn’t be more blessed. I am so excited to see what He has planned for me. The adventures I will be going on with a group of friends and the new people I am going to meet. As I said in my last blog post, I am an introvert. I often just like staying home, reading books and not interacting with people. I guess in a way it’s selfish, cause here I am having God’s love and experiencing His grace upon my life and I’m not sharing it with people because I’m…an introvert? I would say I use it as a crutch, to not do things that make me uncomfortable. And boy, I’m sure this trip will make me very uncomfortable at times. I once read that, “It’s hard to grow your faith inside of your comfort zone.” Here I am, in my comfort zone. Most likely, all of the time.
God has such big plans for His children. For me. If only I would let Him use me and change me to be able to experience them! And I KNOW He will. This trip is going to change me so much. It’s going to stretch me and take me out of my comfort zone. This may sound weird, but I’m so excited for that. To be stretched and out of my comfort zone. Who knows what God’s gonna do. It’s definitely going to be awesome. The crazy thing is, He is going to be there for ME. When I’m feeling darn right empty, He’s going to fill me up. I am going to have to learn to lean on Him so much more.
God is good all the time, all the time God is good!
In conclusion, here is C.T. Studd’s poem in its entirety.
“Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”
– C.T Studd
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