Some time ago the case of a 23-year-old student caused a... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

You who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.
James 4:13-15.

Some time ago the case of a 23-year-old student caused a sensation. She had become infected with the so-called lassa fever on a journey through West Africa. During the final days of her journey she had not felt well and had therefore returned to Europe earlier than originally planned. A long, intensive course of treatment proved of no avail. She died soon after from a fresh, extremely aggressive form of the lassa virus.

One can well imagine with what joyful anticipation the young woman had set off for Africa to do research for her studies and then take a holiday. She will not have entertained the thought that that might be her last trip.

It is not always such a spectacular circumstance that causes death. A "normal" car crash that doesn't interest the press suffices to remind us that our fate does not lie in our own hands.

We do not know whether that student knew Jesus Christ as her Lord. Whoever has accepted Him as Saviour can be assured that in life and death we are secure with Him. Not even Christian believers have the promise that all will be well in their lives. They, too, can experience difficulties, accidents and illnesses. But they know their Saviour and trust Him and His love, for Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself on the cross of Calvary out of love towards them.

Today's reading: Genesis 31:1-21 · Psalms 18:1-19