Are We Ready?

Have you ever had one of those moments that you just knew was God-arranged? A chance meeting in the street, a telephone call or a knock on the door, when all of a sudden you were alerted by the sense that it was a divine appointment.

You don't know why, but you just know that it is important, different, significant. It may be that you just have to drop everything and give that person your whole attention and listen with your whole being. He or she may be waiting for a word of direction, encouragement or comfort. Alternatively, they may have something to say to you, if you have ears to hear. They may not realise that, but suddenly, a word brings clarity to something you have been wrestling with and seeking an answer to for a long time. Whatever it is, God who sees the big picture, has brought you together for that brief moment for some purpose!

One thing I am sure of, is that these 'divine appointments' occur when I least expect them and usually when I consider it most inconvenient. If I am resting in God and in tune with Him at the time, I just may drop everything and give that person and God my full concentration. The danger is that I may fail to recognise the God-given opportunity and make my excuses and get on with my own agenda. In that case, one or both of us may miss out on a blessing or worse.

The Bible makes it clear that Jesus is coming again and that there will be no mistaking when that happens. It will be abundantly clear and we will need to drop everything. We are told of world events, such as wars, conflict, terrorism, financial meltdown and environmental disasters that are pointers to this second coming. All these signs are now on the increase and seem to indicate this could be very soon. Even next week, next year? We don't know. We have no need to be alarmed or fearful, but we do need to be ready.

Do we really know we belong to Jesus and are we walking with Him in intimacy and obedience? Is there bitterness, anger or unforgiveness in our lives or other issues that are unresolved? Time is short.

"For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. - So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Matthew 24:27 and 44 New International Version