When my oldest grandson was about three years old, he and I had a conversation that has stuck in my mind. He is now sixteen, and I doubt that he remembers anything about what we discussed.

I was giving him a bath on a Saturday evening, and we were talking about going to worship on Sunday. He loved Bible class, and he was looking forward to going with us to worship.

He began talking about liking certain days more than others. I told him that every single day is special in the sight of God, and I quoted him a verse from the book of Psalms. “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 KJV).

 This sweet little boy repeated the verse over and over until he could say it without any help. Anytime he would complain about something happening on a certain day, I would remind him of that verse; and he would say it with me.

Isaiah tells us the story of King Hezekiah. Scripture says Hezekiah was “sick unto death” (Isaiah 38:1), and God sent Isaiah to talk to him. Isaiah told him he was going to die.

Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, and in that position he prayed to God. In his prayer, he told God that he had been a faithful servant and only done good things in his lifetime. Then he wept.

God was evidently moved by Hezekiah’s prayer and told Isaiah to tell him that he would have fifteen years added to his life. He was saved from the King of Assyria, and his reign as king was extended.

The Rich Man in Luke 12 was not so fortunate. This man had planted a field that yielded him an abundant crop. As he looked over his bounty, he declared he didn’t know what he might do with all of this.

Finally, he declared “This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years, take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:18-19).

This day had brought him more than he could use. His first thought was for himself and never a thought for how he might use his wealth to aid the needy.

God had plans for him! “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided” (Luke 12:20).

In Luke 16, we read about two men. One man was wealthy, and one was poor and sickly. Both died, evidently without warning. The poor man went to a place of comfort, and the rich man went to a place of torment. What a difference a day made!

In each case, one day made a difference in the lives of these men. One received bad news and then good news—from sickness then death to an extension of fifteen years of life. One was wealthy and anticipated more wealth only to discover he wouldn’t live to see another day. In the third story, the rich and the poor exchanged places in the life after death.

So it is true what the psalmist said, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 KJV). Each day brings blessings and sorrows. Our challenge is to make the best of every day God gives us.

If there is sickness and pain, pray for God to heal you; but whatever His answer, accept it. If there is wealth and prosperity, share it. If your soul is required of you, you will be prepared. If you are wealthy, don’t overlook the poor, the sick, the needy. If you are sick and needy, know that greater things are ahead for those that love the Lord.

We have the power to be a blessing each and every day. We have the power to show our love to those around us. We have the power to make a difference whether we are sick or healthy, rich or poor, happy or sad. Don’t let this day go by that you fail to make a difference.

Remember who you are. You belong to God.

Sandra Oliver