There are a myriad of things that we can never possess in life; one of these, and the most significant one, is having ultimate control over our life. Yet, we seem to struggle for years, and for many, through the whole lifespan--not acknowledging this fact--enduring torment. In a way it's senseless, and altogether meaningless--certainly when looking back from the end-of-life view. Jesus said, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it" -Mark 8.35 Martyr Jim Elliot (1927-1956), missionary to the Auca people in Ecuador, often expressed this classic piece of wisdom: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."  When we give up what we cannot keep (our life and control over it) for a life in God, we get to keep a slice of eternity (here) as a sort of 'down payment' on life kept in eternity (to come) with God--something we cannot lose, provided we remain in him. I think this is what Jim Elliot meant. Can you say without doubt or question - I know where I'm going - I can never lose!.