WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THE REST OF MY LIFE?

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” – Romans 12:1-2

Life can get the best of us sometimes. The stress of managing everyday life can wear us down, and unexpected, life-changing events can shake us to our core. There are days when we doubt who we are, what we’re doing, and where we stand; we’re only human, after all.

English novelist D. H. Lawrence said, “If only one could have two lives. The first in which to make one’s mistakes and the second in which to profit by them.” Unfortunately, life is not a dress rehearsal. It is not a practice session. We are participants in the game of life, and we get one chance to play. Some of us may be in the early innings of the game of life, others in the middle innings, and still others in the later innings.

What are you going to do with the rest of your life? This question often brings a sense of uncertainty, even fear, as we contemplate the future. How do you use your remaining years to actively participate in building God’s kingdom? How do you shift our focus from earthly concerns to seeking God’s will and using your talents to serve His purpose? How do we prioritize spiritual growth?

Every moment of our lives, every tick of the clock, is a precious gift from God, an opportunity to live in His presence and make a difference. Understanding the significance of each second can transform our perspective and empower us to live a more purposeful and meaningful life. But it’s also a powerful reminder that our lives are a precious gift from God, a time for us to live with purpose and intention. We want to embrace God’s purpose for our lives and live intentionally, not just survive, but thrive in the present moment, while at the same time ensuring that our current actions and choices align with God’s will for our future.

As Christians, we need to let go of what is gone, appreciate what remains, determine what is next, and put in the work to make those desires a reality, all the while remaining connected to God and the plans He has for us. In Isaiah 43:18-19, God spoke to the Babylonian-exiled Israelites through the prophet Isaiah: “But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it. …”

It’s natural to feel apprehensive about the unknown, but God’s ability to bring about transformation and renewal in our lives never fails. We can trust in His sovereignty, remembering that He is the master of making all things new, including helping us become the best version of ourselves and enjoy the lives He has given us.

Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to “live the rest of your life” with a specific purpose or meaning?
How can you make the most of the remaining time and maximize its value?
What steps can you take to ensure your legacy honors God and makes a difference?