First Blooms on Wednesday/Snow cold on Friday!
Iwoke up feeling ill this morning. This was unexpected, especially since I felt so well yesterday. (I’m fine now.) I had been praying about what to post this week, so my unexpected, short-term ailment, was, I believe, an answer to prayer!
But life is like that: we may have an unexpected challenge, opportunity, tragedy, or joy coming, even this afternoon.
Some things we can plan for, just in case, like when to plant where we live. I came close to buying plants last week, even though, historically, we have a freeze late in May. Well.. the forecast today (Friday) and tonight is 6″ – 11″ of snow, and low temperatures in the 20s! And our first roses bloomed on Wednesday!
Spiritually, life is like that, and we must be prepared.
Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. (1 Peter 3:15)
Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Be ready for every good deed. (Titus 3:1)
You must also be ready: for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. (Matthew 24:44)
How to be ready for the unexpected
Know God’s word. He tells us about Himself. He tells us what is coming. He tells us what to watch out for. He tells us how to live. In order to know God’s word, we must regularly and prayerfully study His word. We must meditate on His word, firmly planting His word in our hearts, which most likely means memorizing verses for meditation.
Be in fellowship with God. If you have saving faith, you are saved from the penalty of sin. But we still sin and must confess our sins to Almighty God. We must live in the attitude of gratitude and worship. We must pray without ceasing.
Be alert. Be alert to temptations. Be alert to the roaring lion who seeks to devour us. Be alert to opportunities.
Be ready. Be ready to defend the hope that is within us. Be ready for the Master’s return.
Be diligent. Be holy in your conduct. Be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless.
Keep your eyes on Jesus.
God is on the side of those who believe in Him, who have placed their trust in Christ Jesus
If God is for us, who is against us? (Romans 8:31)
Hallelujah!
