Is God surprised at how we spend our time?

on Jul 24, 2026

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Is God surprised at how we spend our time? I wonder when I’m doing something frivolous if it disappoints God. When I was young, I thought I had all the time in the world to do good things, but I look back and shudder to think of all the wasted time on entertaining myself when I could have done something more meaningful. – F.T.

A: Nothing takes God by surprise. The devil has a plan for the world. God has His plan not only for the world He created, but for each person, and each person must decide which plan to fit into.

Scripture says that God allows us 70 years and some beyond. Seldom do we think about the fact that the first 15 years of life are spent in childhood and early adolescence. Twenty years are spent sleeping, and in the last five years, physical limitations start to curtail our activities. That gives us about 30 years in which to live as adults.

We take time out for eating, working to pay our bills, and this brings us down to perhaps 15 years. Now suppose we spend seven of those years watching television. That cuts us down to seven or eight years. The point is: Our time is short; time we can invest for God in reaching our family, neighbors, and friends for Christ.

It’s been said, “Oh, that I could reclaim a thousandth part of the time I’ve let slip through my fingers,” to do something really worthwhile. It’s never too late to start living for the Lord. How many stories have been told about those who approach death and, even in their suffering, minister to others in astonishing ways? And how wonderful when the wise realize their opportunities to serve the Lord while still young. But we can serve the Lord starting right now. Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)