“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27).

Some people think that there’s an appointed time to die and when that time comes for a person, he dies. But that’s wrong thinking, and it leaves the door open to the devil.

Notice that this verse doesn’t say there is an appointed time to die. It says it is appointed unto man to die once. I heard someone say, “It’s appointed unto man once to die, but we don’t have to let the devil set the appointment!”

The apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:23-24, “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

In other words, Paul was saying, “I haven’t decided yet whether to go or stay.” He was writing from prison, and they were ready to take his head off. Yet Paul was saying he hadn’t decided whether to go or stay—as though he had a choice!

Paul did have a choice. Later in his writings, he said, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:6-7). He left when he was good and ready, and that wasn’t until he’d finished his course.

You should desire to do the same thing. Dare to believe God for a long, satisfying life. Determine in your heart that you won’t leave this earth until you can say with confidence, “I have finished my course!”

Mark Brazee

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For over 40 years, Pastors Mark and Janet Brazee have traveled throughout the world sharing the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Together they've shared the powerful truths of faith and healing in more than 50 nations.

Today Mark and Janet pastor World Outreach Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they base their ongoing outreach to the world. The Brazees still travel as the Lord leads, and they are raising up a congregation who share their passion to reach Tulsa and the world.