Prepared

The storms of life. Some minor, and some catastrophic, as we’ve recently witnessed with Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Irma in Florida, and Maria in Puerto Rico. Praying, too, for the earthquake victims in Mexico, Las Vegas shooting victims’ families, and now the fires closer to home, here in California.

A huge thousand-year, Texas-size storm brings perspective. Our hundred-year storm from last year now seems tame and minor in comparison. But God cares about us amid the big and smaller storms of life.

We, along with you, are praying for God’s provision in the lives of those affected by these horrific storms, floods, earthquake, and fires, along with the many people who are helping in the rescue, cleanup, and restoration efforts.

In both Matthew and Luke we read that the coming of the Son of Man will be like it was in the days of Noah.

People were going about business as usual, and suddenly the day of reckoning was upon them. With no meteorologists, weather satellites, or CNN news reporters to warn them, these people who had scoffed at Noah’s incredible ark project found themselves drowning without recourse.

Let’s not think we’re more sophisticated and that we’ll be able to buy some time, preparing at the last minute to get our lives in order spiritually. Let’s be prepared for Christ’s return, which could happen before you reach the next paragraph or in the distant future. Truth is, His coming has never been closer than right now.

We see some people who fail to heed the storm warnings and we think, “how foolish.” But let’s look at our own lives, and ask God to help us heed every warning from Him.

One such warning appears in 1 Thessalonians 5:14, “Warn those who are idle and disruptive.” In the present, idleness may seem innocent and harmless, but when storms hit we can see idle living’s disruptive result. As God gives us strength, let’s run from idleness, and stay prepared for future storms.

And thanks for your part in challenging others to prepare their hearts now for Christ’s imminent return.