We often hear this statement when someone dies unexpectedly, and we feel helpless: wrongly believing that God chooses some to live for only two years, while allowing others live to 102.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 mentions a season for everything, including a time for birth and a time for death. Solomon is merely saying that in every life there are different occurrences: we all have periods of joy and mourning; times when people give birth and times when people die.
The Bible is clear that God has gifted each person with freedom to choose how to live. Our personal choices often affect how and when we die. We also live in a world contaminated by First Adam’s rebellion against God. Accidents and disease must always be attributed to the effects of sin in the world. God is Life— He loves life! Without proof-texting, we can’t correctly say death is caused or predetermined by God.
Even when sinful behavior is judged, the Bible indicates it may be possible to change the results. 1 Kings 20: King Hezekiah suffered from a deathly sickness, but he prayed. Because God is merciful and withheld judgment, Hezekiah was given an additional fifteen years to live. God, in His foreknowledge, knew Hezekiah would repent, but did not force him to do it.
In Scripture, only Jesus had a specifically chosen time to die. His crucifixion had to occur at what Paul called the “right time” (Galatians 4:4). When He went to Jerusalem to die, the “right time”—appointed before the creation of the world—had come.
God knows when each person will die because He is all-knowing, but this is not the same as appointing the time of death. The Bible says that “all the days ordained for me were written…before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:1-6; 16).
Since God knows every detail leading to our death, does this mean we have no control over when it happens? From God’s perspective, because God knows everything, including exactly what choices we will make that affect when, where and how we will die, nothing we do can change what God already knows will happen. However, from a human perspective, how we think, choose and live has a powerful impact on the time and circumstances of our death. We can’t prevent all sickness and sin-caused harm. However, living from God’s wisdom minimizes the harm and often lengthens life.
For example, a person who commits suicide would have lived longer had he made a different choice. A person who dies of heart disease after years of unhealthy food and exercise choices could have lived longer by eating healthier foods and more exercise. Personal decisions have an undeniable impact on the manner, timing, and place of our death. Because God loves us, He is always influencing us to change destructive choices. He wants us to live! How does this affect us practically? Knowing He desires to give us a full, abundant life, we can choose to live each day strengthened and empowered by God’s Presence; make wise decisions concerning how to live, and how to care for ourselves. Ultimately, we trust that God is sovereign over everything, and loves us eternally.
Infinite Grace Ministries replaces destructive life habits with greater self-respect and healthy habits by focusing on God’s great wisdom and tender love. By praying and giving financially, you are an essential part of this ministry of hope.
Please consider Infinite Grace Ministries in your year-round giving! Your generosity is an eternal investment in this and future generations. Call 580-7742884 for information about convenient auto-debit, or donate securely through our free phone app.
Send your questions and comments to: Dr. Dixie Yoder PO Box 466 Weatherford, OK 73096 media use, says Tom Cooper, PhD, author of How to Clear Your Mind and Invigorate Your Life in an Age of Media Overload. “Your family will become closer, you’ll save time, sleep better, feel healthier, and probably even lose weight.”
If technology is adversely affecting communication in your family, a media journal is a good place to begin reducing screen time. Dieters track food consumption to know what and where to cut back. Beginning a family media diet by tracking usage can be quite an eye-opener. We’re often unaware how much time we spend on the internet, TV, and texting. Keeping a record of when a device being used and for how long, will give each one a better idea of how time is being spent. After logging for five days, decide as a family how you can spend more time engaging without screens.
Call 580-774-2884 to learn how to reduce technology-time, giving you more time to enjoy God and people.
