Life is a gift, and it’s easy to take that gift for granted. Sometimes, we may face moments of despair, fear, or discouragement that cause us to question the value of our days. We might even be tempted to believe that we’re ready to leave this world, but God, in His infinite wisdom, has a purpose for each of us. Refusing death before our time means choosing to embrace the life that God has given us and trusting in His plan for our future.

In Psalm 139:16, the psalmist says, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” This verse reminds us that God is in control of our lives from the moment we were conceived until the moment we take our last breath. We don’t get to decide when our time is up—God does. His timing is perfect, and He has an appointed plan for each of us, whether it’s filled with joy or suffering.

However, while God holds the keys to our destiny, we also have a role to pray in protecting our lives. In Proverbs 4:23, it says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Refusing death before our time means taking care of our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. It means guarding our hearts from negativity, doubt, and self-destructive thoughts. It also means treating our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and making choices that honor the life God has given us.

One of the ways we can refuse death before our time is by living with purpose. In John 10:10, Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The abundant life that Jesus offers is not just about existing, but about thriving—about living each day with intention and passion. It’s about pursuing the things that God has placed on our hearts and using our gifts to impact the world around us. When we live with purpose, we are less likely to succumb to the temptation to throw away our lives.

Faith plays a crucial role in refusing death before our time. Sometimes, we face circumstances beyond our control, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But as believers, we can take comfort in knowing that God is always with us, even in our darkest moments. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul reminds us that God is “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” By putting our trust in God and relying on His strength, we can navigate the storms of life with resilience and refuse to give in to death before our time.

refusing death before our time involves surrendering to God’s will. We must acknowledge that while we may not understand the trials we face, God’s plan is always for our good. In Romans 8:28, it says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Even in our pain, we can trust that God is working things out for us in ways we may not immediately see.