"One person dies in prosperity, completely comfortable and secure, the picture of good health, vigorous and fit. Another person dies in bitter poverty, never having tasted the good life." Job 21:23-25
On September 28,
Thomas Stanley, 33, was approaching the end of the Flatrock 50k trail race near Independence, Kansas, when he was struck and killed by lightning. In an email, race director Carolyn Robinson described Stanley as an avid runner who was well known in the local racing community. No doubt in prime shape, this young, “vigorous and fit” runner surely could never have imagined his day would end like it did. In fact, it was reported that the race began on a hot and sunny day. Robinson later reported that they got word of the fast-moving storm only moments before it hit.
And you know, as this story shows, being "the picture of good health" is never a guarantee that a person will grow old or even live to see tomorrow. In fact, as Job knew, whether you and I are living "in prosperity" or "in bitter poverty, never having tasted the good life," we all share the same fate... death. And while you and I have no control over freak accidents such as this that might cut our lives short, we all have control over where we will spend eternity by the
choice we make to either follow Christ or deny Him. Thankfully Thomas, described as
above all.. a man of faith and family... deeply devoted to his wife, Ashley, children Charlotte, Peter and Claire, and his spiritual journey by the
Kansas Leadership Center where he worked, had made the decision to follow Jesus Christ long ago and so will most assuredly be spending eternity with Him-the knowledge of which I'm sure brings great peace and comfort to his family.
So if you have yet to make the decision to follow Christ, won't you quit putting it off my friend? After all, it’s quite clear that neither youth nor good health will guarantee anyone will have another day... nothing will guarantee it. But one thing is guaranteed... if you choose to follow Christ, you will spend eternity in Heaven. And isn’t that the best reason to choose to do so today?
Heavenly Father, I pray your peace, love and comfort over the family and friends Thomas left behind, especially for his wife and children Lord. And Lord may his death not have been in vain. May it lead at least one person to seek You and to find You, that they might make the decision to follow You before it's too late. And Lord may Thomas's life inspire every one of us to live life to the fullest each and every day and to always tell those people we love that we love them. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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