Are You Ready?
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying, I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.”
2 Kings 20:1–3
Early on Saturday morning, January 13, 2018, thousands of people all across Hawaii were shocked to receive an official warning message on their phones. It said, “Ballistic missile threat inbound to Hawaii. Seek immediate shelter. This is not a drill.” The frightening message was official, but thankfully it was sent in error. About thirty minutes later, people began receiving messages and updates that confirmed there was no attack. But for a period of time, it seemed things were about to become deadly serious.
Here is the reality. Though most people go through life day by day without any real thought that a given day might be their last, none of us know how much time we have. While we hope for a long and active life, and may take steps in that direction, there are no guarantees. We spend a great deal of time and effort in our society working on ways to overlook the fact that life will end, but sooner or later, that day is coming for all of us.
The question we must answer is whether we are living each day in such a way that we are prepared to stand before God. The truth that life will end is meant to motivate and prepare us for effective service and holy living. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
2 Kings 20:1–3
Early on Saturday morning, January 13, 2018, thousands of people all across Hawaii were shocked to receive an official warning message on their phones. It said, “Ballistic missile threat inbound to Hawaii. Seek immediate shelter. This is not a drill.” The frightening message was official, but thankfully it was sent in error. About thirty minutes later, people began receiving messages and updates that confirmed there was no attack. But for a period of time, it seemed things were about to become deadly serious.
Here is the reality. Though most people go through life day by day without any real thought that a given day might be their last, none of us know how much time we have. While we hope for a long and active life, and may take steps in that direction, there are no guarantees. We spend a great deal of time and effort in our society working on ways to overlook the fact that life will end, but sooner or later, that day is coming for all of us.
The question we must answer is whether we are living each day in such a way that we are prepared to stand before God. The truth that life will end is meant to motivate and prepare us for effective service and holy living. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
Today’s Growth Principle:
Live today the same way you would if you were to learn it was your last.
No comments:
Post a Comment