Heather Cofer

  • Home
  • About
  • Recommendations
  • Products
  • Book

Only One Life

2 Jun

Every once-in-a-while it hits me hard just how fleeting this life is.

Generally speaking I feel young and I look even younger, so this hasn’t been something I’ve constantly dwelt on. But as I head into my 30’s in a few short months, I’m finding that this sobering reality is coming to mind with increasing frequency.

I’m grateful when the Lord pricks my soul when I slip into the “I’ll be here forever” mindset. I don’t want to come to the end of my life with unnecessary regret because I frittered away the precious breath God has gifted to me. I long to say with Paul,

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” 

1 Timothy 4:7

I don’t believe this means frantically running myself into the ground, fretting that I’m not doing enough for the Lord. I do believe it means living in continual obedience to His revealed will in Scripture, and in whatever ways He calls me in-particular to glorify Him with my body, mind, and soul. 

Whenever I go through the process re-evaluating whether I’m “keeping in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25) in my actions, thoughts, and words, here are three questions I ask myself in regard to the activities I’m doing, the content I’m consuming, or where my priorities lie . These questions may take different forms for other people, but I’d encourage anyone to have similar ones to aid in bringing clarity to the direction of our lives.

1. Am I Distracted?

There are plenty of good things that start as fine or helpful, but can quickly become a distraction from what is most important. This might be an activity that slowly begins to take me away from my God-given priorities (like browsing social media too long), or it might be a topic I’m studying that is distracting my mind and heart from keeping centered on Jesus (like a particular worldview or current event). I can usually tell if it’s become a hindrance in some way when I begin to begrudge the responsibilities that I have, or if I find my thoughts wandering to other things when I’m studying God’s Word. Sometimes this means setting aside those now-distractions for a time to allow God to realign my heart and mind first upon Him, then upon His priorities for me. 

2. Am I numb?

When I find my heart growing numb toward others, toward truth, or toward issues that God desires us to care about, I know it’s time for a regroup. Usually this means that I especially need to be more fervent in my prayer life. It isn’t usually difficult for me to be fairly consistent in my time in the Bible, but I’ve found that being consistent in prayer is much harder for me. I also know that prayer is what keeps me soft to the truth I’m learning from the Word, and also keeps me humble before the Lord. Prayer is a reminder that I cannot obey anything I’m called to as His follower apart from His grace. And it’s in prayer that the fire of love, compassion, and truth is re-kindled. 

3. Am i Afraid?

Fear of man is one of my long-term vices, and this is manifested particularly by keeping silent when I know I need to speak the truth. By God’s grace I’ve seen significant growth in this area, but I can always tell when I’m slipping back into old patterns when my mouth stays shut simply because I’m afraid of how I might look in the eyes of others. 

I know this is only something the Lord can change in me, and so it takes going back to Him, repenting of fearing others more than I fear Him, and asking Him to give me an eternal perspective. 

When I’m keeping my eyes on the “finish line” of eternity, I’m willing to lay down my pride and reputation for the sake of doing what is right. I’m willing to be called hateful or mean, because my security rests in God’s view of me rather than the judgement of others. 

I know fear of man isn’t a huge struggle for everyone; however, each of us has some sort of “besetting sin” that we need to continually allow the Lord to sanctify in us in order to live effectively for His glory. 


I heard a quote (taken from a poem*) nearly 10 years ago that often resurfaces when I am tempted to lay down my sword, so to speak, and live for my own pleasure rather than in constant pursuit of my King.

“Only one life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Today matters; this moment matters. And even though I sense keenly the frailness of my own follow-through, I know that God is faithful. He will equip each and every one of His redeemed children for what He calls us to, enabling us to enter His presence and hear “Well done.”


*Only One Life
By C. T. Studd

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ’twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.


If this post encouraged you, would you consider sharing it? Many Thanks!

Previous Post: « Misogyny: What It Is and What It Isn’t
Next Post: Time to Count the Cost »

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Time to Count the Cost says:
    June 10, 2021 at 4:06 am

    […] mentioned in my last blog post that I’ve always struggled with the fear of man. God has been working on this for quite some […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Time to Count the Cost Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe

Recent Posts

  • Invisible Illness, The Fear of Man, and the God Who Sees
  • Not So Simple
  • Musings from a Decade
  • Postpartum Encouragement Part 3: Emotional Preparation
  • The Birth Story of Jack Lewis Cofer

Archives

  • April 2022
  • December 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019

Categories

  • Christian Living
  • Christian Womanhood
  • Expectant
  • Guest Post
  • Life Stewardship
  • Marriage
  • Missions
  • Motherhood
  • Products
  • Resources
  • Uncategorized

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Latest on Instagram

As I watch the happenings in this world I have an As I watch the happenings in this world I have an ever-increasing ache—a yearning—to be known first and foremost by my allegiance to Jesus Christ.

As I read headlines, hot takes, opinions, debates between fellow believers—praying and seeking to learn and discern—I’m more certain than ever that being a Christian frees us from being defined by or confined to earthly labels in our stances on any given issue. We’re free to champion what God champions, to despise what God despises regardless of how it might be viewed by those around us or what political lines it might cross. We’re free to love those who differ from us, and yes, even free to love those who do us wrong. 

I have strong opinions and thoughts about certain issues—no doubt about it. I disagree with certain thoughts or opinions fellow believers hold. But what I want those brothers and sisters to know about me *first* is that I love them, not how I might disagree with them. Yes, there’s a place to discuss, to sharpen one another, to exhort and encourage, to warn and even to rebuke at times when we see fellow believers straying from Christ. But the world is supposed to know us by our love for each other, not our debates and conflicts. This should temper the “what,” “how,” and “when” of every conversation. 

Some of us are called to stand more publicly against certain evils and injustices than others. We should expect the best of those who aren’t doing or saying exactly what we’re doing or saying (*especially* if we’re defining them by their lack of words on social media. There are faithful Christians who will never say a word about current issues online, but are obeying in word and deed in their in-person spheres). That said, this should *never* be used as an excuse to neglect the actions and words that every Christ-follower must be marked by according to Scripture. And when we find ourselves hesitating to obey any of God’s commands due to another allegiance something needs to change.

Lord, may your people be defined not by causes, but by Christ; not by worldly labels, but by you alone.
.
.
.
.
.
#lookingtoJesus #thegospelchangeseverything #Christcenteredwomanhood
I’ve been thinking about my little fuchsia plant I’ve been thinking about my little fuchsia plant the past few days. I snipped and propagated it from a stunning outdoor hanging plant we had a couple years ago after it scorched in the intense CO sun. After weeks of daily watching I finally saw the roots appear, and replanted it. Fuchsia is special to me, because it’s one of the plants that beautified our windowsills in Mongolia throughout our years there. I love having one in our home.

Recently, though, did a little trimming of this plant. I noticed there were a couple of overly flourishing sprigs; they were so long they were keeping the little plant from filling out. So, as much as I hated to do it, I clipped them off. To my delight, brand new leaves began appearing within days all over the plant.

Why has this been on my mind?  Because it reminded me that sometimes—in order for us to flourish—we need to clip back areas in our lives that are zapping growth. It’s often a painful decision, because they’re usually pastimes or vocations we love. But we know in order to direct time and energy toward our God-given priorities we need to do a little clipping of those gangly offshoots. Although we feel bare for a time, it doesn’t take long for the evidence of growth and life to show itself where it was much needed. 

And guess what? Those clipped offshoots are sitting in a jar in the kitchen, waiting to sprout new roots. They aren’t gone forever, just being prepped to produce life rather than zap it. Sometimes branches do need to be clipped and tossed. Other times they just need to be propagated—waiting for new roots to grow so they can grow and flourish at the right time in the right way.

“Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2
.
.
.
.
#lookingtoJesus #plants #Christcenteredwomanhood #fuchsia #ponderings #lessonseverywhere
//Well, it’s all an adventure That comes with a //Well, it’s all an adventure
That comes with a breathtaking view
Walking a tightrope
With you//

The incredible @frostedphotographer took some headshots for us, and she said, “Do you want to snap a few together?” Yes, please. 😍😍😍

Forever thankful for the gift of a life adventure with this man.
//Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, Su //Summer and winter and
springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their
courses above,
Join with all nature in 
manifold witness
to Thy great faithfulness,
mercy, and love//
.
.
.
.
.
#greatisthyfaithfulness #lookingtoJesus #springtime
“Being like Jesus” will never contradict the r “Being like Jesus” will never contradict the rest of Scripture.

Several times as of late I’ve read or heard examples of people using stories of Jesus from the gospels to back up an argument about accepting sin of some kind. They say that if His followers are going to be like Him they need to follow His example—His example by their interpretation, that is.

But the narratives told of Jesus in the Gospels will *never* contradict the specific commands Christ-followers are given in the rest of the New Testament. Jesus never justified a sin we’re commanded to repent of. A sinful attitude never laced His words, no matter how matter-of-fact His rebukes were. Jesus is the Word made flesh. He will never go against His character or commands for His people.

We can be hard-line on sin while being gentle and kind. We can show compassion without compromising truth. We can be loving while holding fast to biblical convictions. We can, and we must.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Changing Him in any way for our own gain—whether that’s for fleshly gratification or out of fear of others—is making a Jesus in our image. This is a Jesus who cannot save. 

But we have a Jesus who *can* save, who needs no re-making. May we, by His grace, be ever-conforming to Him.
.
.
.
.
#lookingtoJesus #Christcenteredwomanhood #Christcenteredliving #truth #love #Jesusislife
“Only God Himself fully appreciates the influenc “Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children.” 
-Billy Graham

I know without a doubt this is true of my mom. This side of heaven I’ll have no idea what depths her godly influence and faithfulness has had upon me as a wife, mom, and woman in any sphere. I will never forget her telling us, “I’m so thankful I get to spend my days with you.” To have the assurance we were loved and enjoyed on top of all she did for our physical needs was a priceless gift. And, as I prepared to enter into adulthood she not only mentored me, but invited me into friendship with her. There aren’t words to sum up that kind of honor.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Thank you for being willing to love and follow Jesus in whatever He’s asked of you. There is nothing greater you could’ve given to us. I love you.
“My frame was not hidden from you, when I was be “My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:15-16

At the end of every baby book I make for my kids I include a picture of their ultrasound next to a picture of them at a year old. I want them to have no doubt that they have been loved dearly from the moment we found out about them, before we could see them with our own eyes. I want them to know that their lives are gifts, and always have been. I want them to know that every bit of morning sickness, every ache and pain, every labor and delivery, every sleepless night, every urgent care trip, every tear shed, every penny spent, every pursuit that’s been put on hold, every extra mess, every lingering effect on my body are beyond worth it for the privilege of being their mama. For the kiddos who were a surprise to us, I want them to know God knew infinitely better than we did the timing for another child, filling our lives with delight. I want to combat any lie that the enemy and the world that would tell them they’re an inconvenience, a hindrance, a “Plan B,” with assurances of my love and—more importantly—God’s love and perfect plan for them.

I want my children to know I wouldn’t trade them for any career, any worldly accolades, any convenience, any fortune, any temporary ease. They have been used by God as tools to reveal and root out sin, to flood my weakness with the grace of God, to increase my joy. 

On this Mother’s Day weekend, I just want to say: thank you, Lord, for the undeserved gift of my children.
.
.
.
.
#gratefulmama #mothersday #childrenareagift #fearfullyandwonderfullymade
Load More...
  • About Heather
  • Book
  • Recommendations
  • Products
  • Contact
  • Affiliate

Copyright © 2022 · Refined theme by Restored 316