In a recent home Bible study, The life of Joseph, we saw the deaths of one the great patriarchs of the faith, Joseph’s father Jacob. Although they both lived many more years than you or I probably will (Jacob-over 130 and Joseph-110), we were reminded that our life is not our own.

And with the recent sudden death of Norweigen world class swimmer Alexander Dale Oen at the age of 26, I was reminded of this once more.

Psalm 139:13-16 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

So our prayers are lifted up for the family and friends of Alexander Dale Oen. Pray that each of them considers their personal relationship with God Almighty.

And we are reminded that life is not in our own power to keep. Our days are truly numbered by our Creator.