Cover artwork for How Did We Get So Far
Cross & Calvary

How Did We Get So Far

Listen first. Then read the words, explore the Scripture pathway, and follow the song beyond itself to Jesus.

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Lyrics

Verse 1** I’m just wondering today— If anyone else feels the same way— Just lately—has anyone stopped and looked around— And amazed at what you found. I can’t believe I’d be the only one— To wonder how it got done— While I wasn’t looking—it was among my greatest fears— Somehow—someone made off with a bunch of my years! **Verse 2** It was only yesterday— My biggest problem—figuring out what to play— Then the first day of school— Something about a Golden Rule. Sunday afternoons—with friends, going out for a pass— Before long—caps and gowns worn by the whole class. **Chorus** How did we get so far— The years seemed to fly—once I started driving a car! I really can’t tell you how or why— But some days—it feels like—what it must feel like—to get ready—to die. **Verse 3** It’s awfully late— With this I won’t debate. But God doesn’t care about time— Whether you’re rich—or don’t have a dime— God provides for all— Redemption—no matter how far you fall. From the beginning—being the best vessel—doesn’t seem to matter— Perfect or broken—God always uses the latter. And age—very young or very old— Work till He comes—that’s all we’re told. **Chorus** How did we get so far— The years seemed to fly—once I started driving a car! I really can’t tell you how or why— But some days—it feels like—what it must feel like—to get ready—to die. **Verse 3** And so I’ll work—until that day— Never ceasing to praise and pray. And given many—or just a few— I’ll spend them all—telling others—God’s word and love—are still true. Sure—I wish it hadn’t taken so long— To do that—was very wrong. But oh how grateful I am today— God can restore—what time and the locusts tried to take away. **Verse 4 Thank you Lord—for loving me so. Thank you for using me—even so late in the game—to tell about you—what I know. That if God can love and use an old sinner like me— He can save and use anybody—from what He did on Calvary’s tree. **Tag** And when my life is over and done— Don’t talk about me—talk about Jesus—for He’s the only one— Who died for me—after living a life well done. **Spoken** Thank you oh Lord for saving a lost sinner like me— Thank you for dying for all— on an old rugged cross—at Mount Calvary.
Ministry Devotional

How Did We Get So Far

Read: Psalm 90:1–17; Joel 2:21–27; Philippians 3:12–14

Have you ever come across an old photograph and wondered where all the years went? In one picture you're a child with scraped knees and a whole summer ahead of you. In another you're graduating, getting married, holding a newborn, or standing beside someone who is no longer here. Then you look in the mirror and realize that the years you thought would last forever have somehow become memories.

Maybe you're grateful for the life you've lived. Maybe there are years you wish you could reclaim. Perhaps you think about opportunities you passed up, people you should have called, or time you spent chasing things that seem unimportant now. And perhaps, quietly, you've begun asking a question you didn't expect to ask so soon: What should I do with the time I have left?

Moses prayed a remarkable prayer in Psalm 90: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (verse 12, KJV). He wasn't asking God to make him afraid of growing older. He was asking for wisdom to live faithfully within the limits of human life. We don't control how many days we're given. But by God's grace, we can ask Him to teach us how to spend the day in front of us.

There's something comforting about the Bible's honesty. It never tells us that time stands still. It doesn't pretend loss is painless or that regret disappears because we have faith. Yet it repeatedly shows God working through people at stages of life when others might have counted them out. Abraham was old when God called him into a new chapter. Moses knew his own inadequacy when God sent him to Pharaoh. The apostle Paul, after years of opposition to Christ, discovered that grace could change the direction of everything that followed.

Maybe you're thinking, “But I wasted so much time.” Please don't confuse repentance with living forever under condemnation. If you've sinned, bring that sin honestly to Jesus. He is not asking you to rewrite yesterday before you come to Him. His death and resurrection are sufficient for sinners who turn to Him in faith.

Joel 2 speaks to God's people after devastating loss, including the promise of restoration. That passage is not a guarantee that every earthly opportunity will return exactly as it was. It is, however, a powerful reminder that devastation does not place a life beyond God's ability to redeem. He can produce faithfulness and fruit in seasons we assumed were finished.

Would you be willing to make a small beginning today? Read Psalm 90. Then ask the Lord for one meaningful act of obedience: a conversation that needs to happen, forgiveness you need to seek, a person you can encourage, a Scripture passage you can share, or a ministry you can serve. Don't wait for the perfect season. Faithfulness begins in the one you have.

And if you're younger, don't assume you have endless tomorrows. Let your life belong to Christ now. If you're older, don't assume your usefulness has expired. Your testimony, your prayers, and your love may matter more than you realize.

Our desire at UnrelentingJesus is that you would look at the years behind you with honesty, but look at the days ahead with hope. Jesus is still worthy of your trust, and today is still a day in which you can follow Him.

Let's pray. Father, thank You for the days You've given us. Forgive the ways we've wasted Your gifts. Heal what can be healed, guide us where we cannot go back, and teach us to live wisely and lovingly today. For anyone who feels too late or too broken to be used by You, renew their hope in Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.

We will be praying for you.