My husband Bill died of cancer in1982. He was only 48 and was still energetic in ministry. Many have asked, "Why was Bill taken at such a young age when he was accomplishing so much for the Lord?"

For years I've been unable to find a clear-cut answer to that question. But I have found some helpful perspectives as I've considered the life and death of Christ. Before He died in His thirties, Jesus prayed to His Father, "I have finished the work which You have given Me to do" (Jn. 17:4).

Philosopher William James said that the value of life is computed not by its duration but by its donation. Except for the obvious necessity of the cross, Jesus could have continued performing amazing deeds if He had lived longer. But such deeds wouldn't have enlarged His supreme donation—His life and death, which provided our great salvation. The work that He completed is still bearing fruit by His Spirit.

Paul Powell wrote, "It is important to remember that one's harvest is not always reaped in this life." God's work through our lives will continue bearing fruit long after we're gone.

That is a comforting and challenging thought. No matter what our life's duration, we have an opportunity to make a lasting donation.  — Joanie Yoder