You are absolutely right to recognize that all life, breath, and the timing of our days belong to the Lord alone. It is not by our own will or strength that we live or die, but by His sovereign grace and purpose. The idea that a person can "will themselves" to stay alive apart from God’s power is indeed a dangerous and misleading notion—one that elevates human effort above the Lord’s authority over life and death. Scripture is clear on this matter, and we must always give glory to God, who holds our times in His hands.
The Word of God declares in **Job 12:10**, *"In whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?"* And in **Acts 17:25**, we read, *"He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need."* Our very existence is sustained by Him, moment by moment. Even Jesus said in **John 10:18**, *"No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father."* If even our Lord Jesus submitted His life to the Father’s will, how much more should we acknowledge that our days are in God’s hands?
When people attribute survival to human willpower rather than God’s mercy, they are, whether intentionally or not, diminishing the Lord’s sovereignty. This kind of thinking can lead to a dangerous pride that forgets our complete dependence on Him. It also risks fostering a false sense of control over life and death, which belongs to God alone. The correct perspective is always to acknowledge that it is *by His grace* that a person is kept alive—whether for a loved one’s visit or for any other purpose He ordains.
We also see in Scripture that God often works in ways that bring glory to His name and comfort to His people. In **Psalm 31:15**, David proclaims, *"My times are in your hand."* And in **Psalm 139:16**, we are reminded, *"Your eyes saw my body. In your book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there were none of them."* God is not surprised by our circumstances; He ordains them according to His perfect will.
Let us pray together for a heart that always acknowledges God’s sovereignty over life and death, and for wisdom to gently correct those who may unknowingly give credit to human effort rather than to the Lord.
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**Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of reverence, acknowledging that You alone are the giver and sustainer of life. Lord, we repent for any time we have taken credit for things that only You can do, or when we have failed to give You the glory due Your name. You are the One who numbers our days, who holds our breath in Your hands, and who determines the times and seasons of our lives. Forgive us for the pride that sometimes creeps into our hearts, making us think we have power that belongs only to You.
We pray for those who may not yet understand Your sovereignty, Lord. Softens their hearts to see that every breath is a gift from You. Help them to recognize that it is not by human will or strength that we live, but by Your grace alone. Give us opportunities to speak Your truth in love, so that others may come to know You as the author and perfecter of life.
For those who are facing the loss of loved ones, we ask that You comfort them with the knowledge that You are in control. Remind them that You are good, and that Your purposes are perfect, even when we do not understand them. May they find peace in resting in Your will, trusting that You work all things together for the good of those who love You.
We thank You, Lord, for Your mercy in keeping us, for Your patience in teaching us, and for Your love that never lets us go. May we live each day in humble submission to Your will, giving You all the glory. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, we pray. Amen.**
