"Close Call"

That old-school cowboy preacher,

Tried his best to say what’s true,

And when they put the pressure on,

Prayed he’d know what to do.

‘Cause some thought he should update,

His message and his style,

And when he couldn’t do it,

He continued with a smile.

Sometimes his heart was breaking,

When he stood to preach God’s Word,

When asked how he was doing,

He’d say, what have you heard?

But when it came down to it,

He found God gave Him grace,

To live at peace with everyone,

And still to seek God’s face.

That Sunday after eating,

He tried to get some rest,

He felt a heavy searing pain,

Deep down in his chest.

Praying in the ambulance,

He thought this might be it,

But something in his spirit,

Wouldn’t let him quit.

And, yes, he did survive it,

And, yes, he preaches still,

He knows he had a close call,

But as the Spirit fills,

He tells the old, old story,

He prays for strength and peace,

Doesn’t listen to his critics,

And in the end he finds release,

From every single burden,

He casts on God his care,

Not worried ‘bout tomorrow,

‘Cause God’s already there.

“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes…” (James 4:14, NIV)

James is making the point that life is here briefly and then it is gone. In the end, the only thing that really matters is doing God’s will. To think otherwise is selfish and ultimately prideful. That’s why James objects to those who make plans without giving allowance or allegiance to what the Lord wants. All our plans should be subject to Him, and then He will show us what to do. And when He does, go ahead with it.

Lord, help us to make our lives count by doing Your will, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Shawn Cameron, used by permission. Thanks, Shawn, and God bless you.