Our Short Trip on Earth

FROM ASHES TO ETERNAL HOPE

I picked my way through soot-stained stones to peer into a once-grand villa. Though time and ash had buried its rooms, fragments of walls and the curve of a stately staircase still spoke of lives that bustled and burst forth—now forever silent.

What stood out to me most about Pompeii was the sheer size of the city itself.  Old stone streets went on for miles.  Entire sections of the city had yet to be excavated, and some sections would never be able to see the light of day again, more recent building now taking residence on top of them. 

Later, I wandered into the remains of a Roman bath house.  Inside, there was a plaster cast of a young woman buried alive in the spew of volcanic ash and pumice from the surprise eruption of Mount Vesuvius.  While many had fled due to a water shortage earlier in the week, this young woman remained.  They speculate she was a teenaged slave girl, likely pregnant.  Even though it was but a plaster casting, you could still see the fear and pain, now forever etched on her young face. 

Haunting and amazing, Pompeii’s silent streets remind us how precious—and precarious—our short trip on earth really is.  How unsure we are of what our life will be like, of how many years it will contain. 

I think back on my early life, trapped in pain and confusion much like the young woman. I, too, have lain in the ashes of depression—joy stolen, hope buried.  Of dear friends I lost early on, and of the ones I’ve lost more recently.  Of family members long since gone, the whispers of their laughter, wisdom and tears still echoing in my ears.  Oddly, none of this makes me sad.

Standing amid those ruins, I felt sober awe—until my gaze lifted beyond the stones to Christ’s eternal promises. 

Many scriptures flow through my head at once, each with a competing thought.

The Apostle James’ words grabbed at my heart first:

James 4:13-15

“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

Lesson: Live today with open hands—no guarantees, only grace.

I think of Jesus, addressing some of the horrible things that happened during his lifetime.

Luke 13:1-5

“Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?  I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.  Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?  I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.’”

Lesson: what matters most is how I am walking out my faith.

We all have a shelf life, but unlike man-made items, I don’t come stamped with my expiration date.  Only God knows the exact day and time when my life will come to an end.  But again, this doesn’t make me sad but rather sober. 

At the end of the day, it won’t matter how big or small my house was.  My bank account balance, my talents and accomplishments, the many facets of who I am, won’t dictate my future.  Only one thing will:  Jesus.

This is why I have hope in the startling face of the reality that death comes for us all.  As a believer, I understand that death is not the end of my story.  Rather, it is a beginning, a step of faith into God’s larger, greater story.  One beyond time and space.  I get to participate in this epic story of love! 

Why?  Because Jesus secured my entry with his very blood, shed so I could experience freedom over bondage.  Joy over sorrow.  Peace in place of anxiety and fear.  Hope in place of shame.  Such a miracle!

Only in heaven will I fully know who I am, able to completely step into who God crafted me to be.  Jesus says in Revelation 2:17, “To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna.  I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” 

I will finally know who I really am.  For this life is, in so many ways, a preamble, a mere paragraph, that ultimately leads into an epic eternal journey of rejoicing and celebrating with my Creator.  My full and true form will finally be revealed.     

“For now, we can only see a dim and blurry picture of things, as when we stare into polished metal.  I realize that everything I know is only part of the big picture.  But one day, when Jesus arrives, we will see clearly, face-to-face.  In that day, I will fully know just as I have been wholly known by God” (I Corinthians 13:12).  Such a blessing!

In the face of an ever-changing, oftentimes violent and conflicted world, I have an anchor for my soul.  And so do you.  Jesus reaches his hand toward you, inviting you to walk intimately with him.  He is calling you to more than just belief; he is calling you to experience, to journey WITH him.  And for me, journeying with Jesus is what makes this wisp of a life all the sweeter. 

Friends, let’s step out of those silent streets and walk daily in the freedom Christ offers. 

FOR FURTHER THOUGHT

It is really easy for me to get caught up in the day-to-day struggles, worries, hurts and fears of this life and to miss the bigger picture.  I still wrestle with control, even after all these years.  Can you relate?

In the face of both tragedy and triumph along with the menial of the everyday, Jesus is calling you and me to experience more.  He is right in the center of the fiercest of storms; he is the gentle whisper calling your name.  Your challenge?  Choose to listen.

I am a long-time believer, yet I still must fight to still myself long enough to not merely hear, but to carefully listen and apply what I’m learning.  Yet Jesus’ grace is greater than my weakness, and it’s greater than yours, too.  This is a battle that is worth fighting friends!

Where in your life might you be clinging to “ashes”—old regrets or unmet expectations? Does your life reflect the story Jesus is calling you to write with him?  Take a few minutes to journal or pray over these.

Next, take time to connect with Jesus through the Bible and through prayer.  Spend some time meditating on the Apostle Peter’s wise words and how you can apply them:

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 1:3-8

We have everything we need effectively through this life. That’s an incredible gift!  Today, let’s make the choice to unwrap this beautiful gift in practical, tangible ways.   

Practical Next Steps:

1.        Listen: Spend 5 minutes in silence today—notice what Jesus whispers.

2.        Remember: Choose one promise from 2 Peter 1:3-8 and put it on your mirror.

3.        Share:  Let’s encourage each other—drop your reflection or question at www. Facebook.com/thedentedfender.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for conquering death and giving me an eternal perspective. Help me listen for you and seek your guidance. When I get too busy or caught up in my own agenda, please interrupt me with a reminder of what matters most. Thank you especially for the incredible sacrifice you made on the cross so I could experience freedom. In Jesus' name, Amen.

ABOUT BARB LOWNSBURY

Barb is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. She holds Bachelor's Degrees in International History and Education, as well as a Master’s Degree in Education. Barb has spoken at conferences and taught classes throughout the U.S. on topics including faith, relationships, leadership, and courage through trials. Her book, Using What’s Broken to Boldly Shine, is a powerful read on transformation through adversity. Her blog focuses on providing people with everyday encouragement and strength. Barb serves as the Executive Director for The Dented Fender Ministry and runs a successful real estate and development company. She and her husband currently reside in Dayton, Ohio.

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