October 2, 2026
Have you ever thought about the phrase “in the blink of an eye?" We use that phrase when we are talking about something happening quickly or taking us by surprise. I hear people including myself talking about how you “blink” and your children or grandchildren are grown. I’ve also heard the phrase used when people are talking about passing through a small town and they say, "Don’t blink or you might miss it."
However, if you think about it, my life and yours can change dramatically in the “blink of an eye.” I’m going to be brutally honest when I say the last month or so has probably been one of the hardest for me, emotionally, that I can remember having in a long time. I don’t even think I could explain it, because it’s been several things that have contributed to it being hard. I have just felt the weight of many problems and issues.
It will come as no surprise to you that when we are “down” the enemy just increases his attacks. I find myself giving “pep talks” to myself. I don’t like to disappoint or let anyone down, or, for that matter, have anyone upset with me. I try hard to make sure to do my very best, work my hardest, apologize when needed, say I love you often, and just make sure people know I care.
The importance of these things has become very real this past month as I have been faced with how life can change in the blink of an eye. My precious 38-year-old nephew tragically and unexpectantly passed away. He was a single dad with a 9-year-old son. In the blink of an eye many friends, family, and coworkers are dealing with a loss that they were unprepared for and it was unexpected. Life can change in the blink of an eye.
I had a conversation with a friend who has a child with autism just like we do. For years, my family dealt with the horrible outbursts of anger and aggression that the frustration of autism can trigger in a child. As an adult, our daughter just tends to shut down and withdraw. My friend had never seen this or dealt with it but was walking this path and dealing with some of the same instances we have. It’s hard to figure out or comprehend, and the helplessness is compounded because the child can’t explain or understand their feelings. They can be happy and content one moment and then totally upset in the next. Life can change in the blink of an eye.
My husband is still dealing with the effects of recent foot surgery. His doctor is unsure whether he will be able to go back to work. This was hard news for Wayne to hear, especially since he is not a stay-at-home, sit-around person. He loves to be around people and honestly, he loves to work. This was news he was not expecting and he is having a tough time processing and understanding what the future might hold. Life can change in the blink of an eye.
I know that every day things happen or people receive news that changes their life in the blink of an eye. The people in the situations I have mentioned above are all believers. They will struggle, grieve, and cry, but they are not without hope. Their life changed in the blink of an eye when they received Jesus as their Savior.
In this life, there will be hardships and troubles. However, we are not without hope if we have Jesus. We don’t give up when things get tough, we look up! I think the older I get, I am just so much more aware of my need and dependence on Jesus. It makes me very sad to think there are people who don’t know Him.
In 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 it says “Listen, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed in a flash, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised and we will be changed.”
Jesus is coming back. It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye. That is one blink of an eye I will look forward to and welcome. I’m just trying to emphasize the fact that life is short, life is hard, we need Jesus and we need to share Jesus with everyone around us!
I want to make sure I make every moment of every day count. This includes the good things that happen in the blink of an eye as well as the tough things that happen in the blink of an eye. Let’s be aware of the fact there are people all around us who are dealing with tough situations and hard times. Some of them know Jesus, and some do not. I’m sure you are like me and want everyone to have the hope that is only found in Jesus. Let’s encourage those around us to not hang their head and give up. Let’s love them, pray for them, help them lift their head, look up and find Jesus.
In the blink of an eye, Jesus is coming back! Are you ready?
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Jill Johnson, a staff member at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, finds spiritual applications in her everyday experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother and Georgian. Reach her at jjohnson@gabaptist.org.
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