Introduction
Have you ever considered what happens the moment you take your last breath? The transition from the temporal to the eternal is a thought that crosses every mind, but for one man, this question became a terrifying, real-life vision.
We often hear stories of great men and women, filled with divine purpose, who face monumental challenges on their path. But what happens when the finish line arrives, and you discover you haven't run the race you were meant to?
The Accusation at the Gates of Glory
I know a man in the Lord, a fervent believer whose life is marked by vivid visions, encounters, and profound prophecies. He carries a heavy awareness of a clear, divine assignment on his life. Like many successful figures throughout history, his biography is filled with seasons of extreme testing and obstacles he overcame.
Yet, on a fateful day, one of his most terrifying visions repeated itself. He saw himself dead, his spirit hovering, a silent observer of the life he just left behind.
A moment came when it was time to say goodbye and cross over, to join the spirits in glory. But a haunting realization gripped his soul: Heaven was ready to receive him, but he was not ready to meet the Lord.
An unknown voice spoke aloud, "Let him leave. What has he been able to do with all the time given him?" The poor spirit stood in a dilemma, unwilling to cross over and await the Almighty's verdict.
What Held Him Back? Earthly Gains vs. Divine Purpose
If heaven awaits, why would a spirit hesitate?
In his vision, the spirit’s perception changed instantly. All the markers of earthly success that we strive for - houses, money, fame, cars, and positions - lost all their significance. They vanished from his remembrance.
The singular focus that remained was: The assignment.
He knew, with devastating clarity, that God was not pleased with his performance in his calling. He could not look the Father in the eyes with boldness, knowing how poorly he had fared. His unfinished purpose became the ultimate stumbling block.
It was in this moment of spiritual crisis that the accuser of the brethren (as described in Revelation 12:10) spoke aloud, indicting him before the Lord: "Let him leave; what has he been able to do with all the time given him?"
The Power of a Prophetic Declaration
Facing condemnation and realizing the gravity of his incomplete assignment, a scripture flashed into the young man's mind. It became his lifeline, his ultimate weapon against the accuser.
He quoted with all his spiritual might:
"I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord" (Psalm 118:17).
He clung to this declaration until he broke free from the vision. The Lord had indeed granted him a second chance - a powerful testament to God’s mercy and desire for us to fulfill our destiny.
The Reckoning: Are You Investing in What Matters?
This powerful story is a mirror for every person on Earth. We are all appointed to die once, and after this, the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
We are all given a unique purpose, defined by our gifts and talents. One day, God will hold us accountable for how we used the life we were given. The Bible is clear that our work will be tested:
“each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.” (1 Corinthians 3:13)
The cares of this world are necessary for our daily lives. We need our careers, our homes, and our finances. But they become a deadly hindrance to our eternal reward if they overshadow our primary purpose.
💡 Time for Introspection
What are the unique gifts and talents God has given you?
How are you actively using them to fulfill your life’s assignment?
Are your daily activities aligned with your perceived purpose?
On the day of reckoning, what will you have to show for the time you were given?
Take the time for deep introspection to figure out why you are here on Earth. On that final day, the questions in your heart won't be about your job title or your bank account. They will be about how you lived and how you used your gifts for God's glory.
Heaven may be ready to welcome you, but the real question is: Are you prepared to meet the Lord and account for the life he gave you?
(Your gifts and talents contribute to your eternal reward. Discover how to rebound even if you feel it's too late. Get a copy from Amazon or a PDF version from our Shop).