BORROWED TIME: Living in the Grace of God’s Extension
- Eld. Roberto Washington
- 8 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Time is one of the most precious gifts God has ever given humanity. It moves forward—never backward—and once a moment is gone, it cannot be reclaimed. Yet Scripture reveals something astonishing: while we live by the ticking of clocks and the turning of calendars, God moves outside of time. He is eternal. And because of that, He can extend, stretch, or interrupt time for the sake of His people.
“8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,.” - 2 Peter: 8-11
In 2 Peter 3:8–11, we are reminded that “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” God’s timing is not our timing. His delays are not denials. His patience is not weakness—but mercy.
And this mercy, Peter tells us, is purposeful: “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” In other words, humanity is living in a divine grace period—borrowed time.
What Does It Mean to Live on Borrowed Time?
The phrase “borrowed time” often describes someone whose life has been spared unexpectedly. It carries a sense of urgency, fragility, and deep gratitude. Spiritually, however, the concept goes even deeper.
Three Hebrew expressions describe this idea:
1) Zeman Sha’ul - “Borrowed time” - Time granted that we did not own and do not deserve.
2) Chesed Zeman - “Time of grace” - A period of mercy given by God for repentance, restoration, or purpose.
3) Harchavat Zeman - “Extension of time” - A divine lengthening of life or opportunity.
One of the clearest biblical examples is King Hezekiah.
Hezekiah: The Man Who Literally Lived on Borrowed Time
In Isaiah 38, the prophet delivers devastating news: “Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.”
But Hezekiah does what few do—he turns his face to the wall and prays.
He weeps.
He pleads.
He reminds God of his devotion.
And God responds mercifully:
“I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.”
Hezekiah received a 15-year extension. A divine clock reset. Not because he deserved it—but because God is compassionate.
Are We Living on Borrowed Time?
Absolutely.
Not necessarily because of a death sentence like Hezekiah, but because:
Every breath is a gift, not a guarantee.
Every sunrise is divine mercy.
Every opportunity to repent, worship, or walk with God exists only because He extends grace.
Isaiah urges us: “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found.” (Isa. 55:6–7)
There is a window.
There is a season of opportunity.
But windows close. Seasons end.
Even Jesus warns that a day is coming when the sun, moon, and stars will be shaken (Matthew 24:29–42). Life will continue as usual—“eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage”— until suddenly, unexpectedly, the day of the Lord arrives like “a thief in the night.”
Humanity is living in a divine pause—a moment before God transitions the world into its next chapter.
Borrowed Time Is a Call to Repentance and Alignment
Deuteronomy 30 reminds us that life and death, blessing and cursing, are placed before us. God urges us: “Choose life.”
Borrowed time is not meant for comfort—it is meant for course correction.
Not for drifting—but deciding.
Not for procrastinating—but pursuing God wholeheartedly.
Hebrews 3 presses this point:
“Today, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.
”Tomorrow is promised to no one.
Today is the only spiritual currency we possess.
Borrowed Time Is a Call to Worship
In John 4, Jesus reveals that the true worshipers are those who worship “in spirit and in truth.” Borrowed time is not given merely to survive—it is given to seek God deeper, to know Him personally, beyond rituals, buildings, or traditions.
Borrowed Time Is a Call to Walk in the Light
Ephesians 5 challenges believers to:
“Walk as children of light”
“Redeem the time, because the days are evil”
“Be filled with the Spirit”
Borrowed time is not leisure time—it is redemptive time.
Time that must be used wisely, intentionally, and spiritually.
Borrowed Time Leads to Eternal Life Through Christ
In John 11, Martha grieves her brother Lazarus, but Jesus shifts her focus from earthly time to eternal truth:
“I am the resurrection and the life… whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
The ultimate purpose of borrowed time is to lead us to eternal life—not just more time on earth, but time without end in God’s presence.
Living With Urgency, Gratitude, and Purpose
If God has extended our time—collectively or individually—it is because He has extended His grace.
We live on borrowed time so that we may:
Repent
Return
Realign
Reignite our devotion
Redeem our days
Reflect God’s glory
The question is not whether we are living on borrowed time.
We are.
The real question is:
What will we do with this time God has graciously given us?
Do you desire prayer?
Do you desire salvation?
If you want to know Jesus Christ—and be known by Him—today is the day.
“Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” - 2 Corinthians 6:2
I can help you with a prayer, Scripture guidance, or steps to salvation—just let me know how you’d like to continue.
“3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” - John 3: 3-5
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