No Alarm

 

Anytime I remember the story I’m about to share, it gives me a fresh perspective on the mystery of life. Life has two defining phases: the day we are born and the day we die.

When a woman is pregnant, science provides a way to estimate when the baby will arrive—this is called the Expected Date of Delivery (EDD). While this date may not always be exact, it offers a general idea of when to prepare for a child’s birth.

However, on the other end of life’s spectrum, there is no such thing as an Expected Date of Death. No one—except God—knows the hour. There’s no alarm set, no countdown, no human forecast for death.

Now to my story.

In 2017, my family and I moved to Kaduna on a mission assignment. One of the first places I was led to visit was Black Street, Sabo—a notorious neighborhood known for crime, drug use, and broken lives. Many advised me not to go, warning me of the dangers, but I was determined.

It was there I met Josiah, popularly known as Joe among his peers. Joe was a tall, intelligent man in his early 30s. During one of my outreach visits, I ministered to him. He accepted Christ, yet I could see he was still torn, his eyes still looking back at the life he once knew.

I continued visiting Black Street about three to four times a week, reaching out to young men and women who were dying spiritually and physically.

One day, I felt a strong and urgent impression on my heart to compel Joe to attend our house fellowship. I pulled him aside and spoke passionately about how important it was for him to come. He told me he hadn’t eaten all day, so I gave him the last money I had in my pocket. He left.

That evening, he didn’t show up.

The next morning, I ran into him again. I was stirred in my spirit and warned him earnestly—I told him I sensed that something was coming and that God was calling him to safety. He laughed and walked away.

That was the last time I ever saw Joe alive.

The following day, as I approached Black Street, I saw Mike, Joe’s close friend. He looked heartbroken. I asked about Joe, and Mike told me he had been killed the night before. His lifeless body was found—without his head.

I took a deep sigh. There had been a warning. But it wasn’t heeded.

Even though there’s no alarm to tell us when we will meet our Maker, it is a journey none of us can escape.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”