A New York Minute

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. (John 9:1-7 ESV). There is a wonderful quote from Billy Graham’s autobiography. He wrote that while he was at a university speaking, after the message, a student asked the question, “What is the greatest surprise you have found about life?” He answered quickly, “The brevity of it. Time moves so quickly, and no matter who we are or what we have done, the time will come when our lives will be over.” That is so true. Time passes quickly, and we don't want to squander this precious thing that God has given to us called life. I have often heard the idiom “as quick as a New York minute.” I suppose the fast pace of New York City makes time seem shorter. What I have noticed is that no matter where you live, time often slips away from us. Over the years there have been some surprises as I look back. I have been surprised by some people that I thought were going to do great things for God, but actually fell away from Him. I have also been surprised by people that I thought would never make it as a Christian, but are now serving the Lord with great effectiveness. We sometimes think we have nothing to do with the way we finish. However, we must know we are not mere victims without any ability to determine whether or not we are going to do well spiritually. Spiritual failure usually isn't a result of a deliberate decision to sin; rather, it's the result of wrong choices made in life that lead to a spiritual breakdown. It is never too late to change. As quickly as you fall, you may also be picked up to get back on your way. Peter certainly experienced that on several occasions. When he stepped out of the boat to walk to Jesus on the water, it looked great for a moment before he began to sink. Jesus was there, immediately extending his hand to lift him to safety. Whatever difficulties you are facing today as a believer, whether due to your choice or circumstance, you are preserved in Christ. He is going to keep you; he will lift you up and allow you to keep going.