The Value of Life

# The Value of Life

An elderly woman, over eighty years old, felt lonely and sorrowful because her beloved husband, with whom she had shared more than fifty years of life, had now gone to be with the Lord. She wondered what she should do with the remaining years of her life. One day, a believing sister from the church came to visit her. Sister Man saw Mrs. Dang sitting in worship with a dejected expression. Therefore, she decided to visit Mrs. Dang. During their conversation, Sister Man told Mrs. Dang a story that would change the way she thought about living. She said, "When my mother was still alive, she had a painting hanging on the wall—very old, with the paint faded in some places—but she kept it there through all the years and months. The painting simply depicted a simple path stretching far to the horizon, with a radiant light shining from above. Once, I asked my mother why she hung such an old painting instead of a new one, which wouldn't cost much and had brighter colors. My mother told me, 'The value of a painting does not come from its outward appearance, from ordinary human judgment by the eye; but its value lies in what is hidden within it, under the eyes of Almighty God. My painting holds profound meaning within it. You must know what that meaning is in order to truly treasure it.'

"Dear Mrs. Dang, but my mother's words gradually helped me understand that each of our lives is a painting drawn by God. If we live according to His purpose, surely it must be a beautiful masterpiece. Don't you think so, Mrs. Dang?" After this visit, Mrs. Dang's spirit gradually changed to a more positive outlook, because she had come to understand what her purpose for living was in God's noble plan for her.

Our lives will certainly sometimes fall into a situation like Mrs. Dang's, won't they? God knows this, and He has left us precious promises to help sustain us spiritually during times of weariness. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). We must truly believe that God has the best plan for each of us, and we must trust Him with all our hearts until the end, until we meet Him again. While we are still living in this world, let us do our very best, do all things for God and for the glory of His Name. God gives each person different abilities and graces. Let us serve Him according to the mind and abilities God has given us. Even someone elderly, like Mrs. Dang, has found joy in God. She began to pray for all the people she knows who have needs. She prays for the pastor and his family. She smiles and greets everyone she meets, and in God's blessing, she shares back what she is able to do! Truly, isn't that a blessed life in God?! Let us dedicate our lives to God's work. Let us offer "our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—which is your true and proper worship," to glorify God's Name and to fulfill God's purpose for us.

Thank You, O God, who loves all mankind! We give thanks to God for the life He has given us, which is precious in His good purpose and peace! We pray that God help us always to focus on His Word, on His glorious Kingdom, so that we may always trust faithfully and serve God through the good opportunities He guides us to! Amen!

God's plan is the very best, Already prepared for us from the start, Blessings and peace that never cease, Praise to the Holy Triune God's Name! With all our hearts and all our strength, our whole life long, Spreading the Gospel across all lands, Trusting and obeying God's Will, Peace and hope forever more!

Ngoc Huynh Bich 08/11/2023

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