Vaporized

Have you ever watched the 2005 movie version of War of the Worlds? There is one scene where Tom Cruise's character is running through the streets of the city and the tripod robot aliens are shooting people with their lasers. The instant the laser beams hit a person, their clothing goes flying off as they are instantly vaporized. One second they are there, the next they are gone. Vanished, like a vapor.

"How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog (vapor)--it's here a little while, then it's gone."

James 4:14 NLV

Several years ago my dad's brother had prostate cancer and is so far, now cancer free. My aunt had cancer a while back and recieved treatment. Thursday she has had subsequent bowel surgery due to the treatment. Three weeks ago a family friend tried to take their own life. On Wednesday my parent's close friend of over two decades just died from liver failure due to Hepatitus C. This Sunday night a friend from a former pastorate is on his death bed after a stroke. He has lived most of his life with no legs and one functioning arm. He is spending his last days withering away in a V.A. hospital. Last month a 13 year old boy in our church was diagnosed with bone cancer and another friend is waiting for a liver as he has liver cancer. These are examples of people that you would say are "close" to me, either through a family connection or church connection, that are suffering from life-threatening or life-ending health issues. On top of that I've seen close friends and relatives die, I've buried an infant and a thirteen year old boy. I attended the funeral of an 18 year old freshman college classmate tragically killed in an auto accident. It doesn't seem like it's supposed to be this way. Life really is like a vapor.

"And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you?"

Matt. 6:30 NLV

Life is short. Make it count. Live like Jesus. And don't forget, God really does care about you and all that you're going through.