Time to Get Ready

Do you realize that the time of Christ is near? I know it is easy to forget such truth in the midst of life’s chaotic bombardment. We are distracted by so many things in life, so many people, problems and projects that the idea of anything else in life beyond 5 minutes from now seems like an eternity away. We can get so buried in “stuff” that we can’t see beyond the walls that have us boxed in and blind us to anything but the immediate deadline. In the midst of all this “life”, you may be experiencing various types of trials, difficulties, spiritual attacks, unexplainable mayhem that could have you discouraged and or spiritually weakened. Regardless of what has your immediate attention or you’re your spiritual, emotional or mental mindset is, we are in the “end times”, Jesus is coming soon and you and I better be ready for Him. Peter says it like this:

So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.  The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.  Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Peter 4: 1-2, 7, 12-13, 19 (NLT)
 
I don’t know what you are going through, but whatever it is I know it is to prepare you for what’s ahead. God doesn’t do things in our lives for no apparent reason. Believe that in the midst of the “muck” He is shaping you more and more into His image. (Romans 8:29) Believe that He has you in the palm of His hand, not willing to let you go even when it feels like you are all alone. This is a time to have your faith strengthened, to sharpen the sword of the Spirit, the word of God in your life and walk in all that He tells you to. This is not a time to be placid, but a time to step up strong.  I didn’t say make yourself busier, or be more involved just be better, deeper in love with Christ, bolder in your faith, better prepared. I challenge you to steep deeply in 1 Peter and allow the Holy Spirit to overwhelm you with His abundance of truth and life insight. I guarantee you will never be the same, so enjoy!