A Life That Lasts Beyond Time
The value of a candle is not in its length of burn, but in the light it gives while it is lit.
Devotional Credit: His Victorious Indwelling – compiled by Nick Harrison
Photo Credit: Unsplash
The Christian life, as today’s devotional reminds us, is not measured by the number of years we live but by the depth of the life of Jesus expressed through us. Nick Harrison’s compilation draws from the writings of Horatius Bonar, Andrew Bonar, and Thomas à Kempis, showing that life in Christ is both a great and precious calling, made up of countless small moments that together display God’s manifold wisdom to the heavenly realms.
We are reminded that a shorter life in God’s hands is not a failed one. John the Baptist’s ministry was brief by earthly standards, yet it was one of the greatest successes in history because it fully accomplished God’s purpose. What matters is not how long we live, but whether we live as vessels for the One who is our life. A day or a decade lived in Him is infinitely richer than a lifetime lived for ourselves.
Andrew Bonar offers a tender perspective: while it is true that to depart and be with Jesus is far better than the ups and downs of earthly life, our time here carries an irreplaceable purpose. We remain on earth to serve Him, to draw others toward righteousness, and to labor for His kingdom. Thinking often of resurrection and His return keeps our hearts light and our focus clear, even in the trials of this world.
Thomas à Kempis closes with a gentle but sobering reminder, the glory of this earth fades quickly. What endures is the work of Christ in us, through us, and the lives touched by His love flowing out of us. The measure of our life is not in its length but in its eternal weight.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
Your life is hidden with Me in God. Whether your days here are many or few, each one is precious when it flows from My life within you. I have appointed your steps and numbered your days. Do not measure your worth by the length of your time on earth, but by the reality that you are Mine and I am yours.
The glory of this world will pass quickly. Do not set your heart on what fades, but on what endures forever. I have prepared good works for you to walk in, and I will accomplish them through you as you yield to Me. Your part is not to strive for impact, but to abide in Me and trust Me to bear fruit that remains.
Until I call you home, you have a purpose here, to be My witness, to draw others near, to shine My light in the darkness. Fix your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at My appearing, and let every moment now be shaped by the certainty of resurrection life.
Scripture References: Colossians 3:3–4, Psalm 139:16, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Ephesians 2:10, John 15:4–5, 1 Peter 1:13, Philippians 1:21–24, Galatians 6:9
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a candle in a dark room. Some burn for hours, others for minutes, but the value of the candle is not in how long it lasts, it is in the light it gives while it is lit. A short, bright flame can bring just as much warmth and clarity as one that burns all night.
In the same way, your life is measured not by its duration but by the light of Jesus shining through you. Today, whether your path is long or short ahead, you can say, “Lord, I trust You to use this moment for Your glory and to love through me in the way You choose.” That one act of trust can make today rich with eternal value.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, thank You that my life is securely in Your hands. I rest in the truth that You have already appointed my days and filled them with purpose. Whether they are many or few, I rejoice that they are lived in You. Thank You that I do not need to measure my worth by the length of my journey, but by the reality that You are my life. I trust You to use me fully in the time You have given, knowing that every moment in You is already eternal.