Ready

On Sunday, October 20, 1974, residents and tourists in the Miami region of South Florida went about life like normal—going to church, visiting the beach, shopping, attending a big football game. To them, nothing seemed unusual. But people located about sixty miles north of Miami were scrambling to survive torrential downpours and floods. Over a period of just a few hours, a freak storm had dumped more than 15 inches of rain on a small area.

The storms of life can strike just like this. Suddenly. One minute, everything can seem normal, but then, without warning, storms in our finances, health, or relationships can strike! Life may seem calm for others, but stormy for us.

Storms also can strike the world—wars, violence, terrorism, economic upheaval, social unrest, tornadoes, earthquakes. The Bible promises that a day will come when God will send judgment “like a storm” (Ezekiel 38:9).

Many aren’t prepared for storms in the natural realm or in their spiritual lives. They aren’t prepared for tribulations and trials or for the coming of the Lord. Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven is like “ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent.” The prudent virgins were ready for His return, but the foolish became drowsy and fell asleep. They weren’t prepared.

Jesus warned, “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.” Truly, Jesus could come at any minute. But so, too, could storms and trials.

Today, make sure you are alert and ready. Don’t compromise or be distracted. Serve God faithfully. Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness.