Growing Your Heart For MissionsSample

Be ready

The average response time after an emergency call is eight minutes or less since victims requiring resuscitation have little to no chance of survival after 10 minutes have elapsed.

When Typhoon Haiyan wreaked havoc in the Philippines, hundreds of millions of dollars in relief aid was raised within hours of the disaster.

We are hardwired to respond quickly and in a big way when we perceive that danger is imminent or when disaster strikes and there is an urgent need.

Yet it’s easy to fall into complacency, despite waking up every morning to the fact that millions have never heard the Gospel and live in spiritually dangerous conditions.

This exhortation from Peter wasn’t meant for believers waiting for people to ask what makes them different. And not just a “good thing to have ready” in case hard times fall on an unbelieving family who open the door for you to share your faith.

It’s an admonition to have a strong faith deeply rooted in God’s Word. To be intentional about seizing EVERY opportunity to instill deep faith into the next generation. If Satan is on the lookout, prowling to find those he can devour, how much more vigilant must we be on the lookout for ways to reach the vulnerable before he can ever get to them! When we are prepared, we can prevent them from having to be repaired.

Father, I recognize that our response to the crises of the world should not be fear. Our response should be to go with urgency because we realize there are doors now open that may never again be open. Help us to always be prepared to move quickly. Empower us with your Holy Spirit knowing that your timing is perfect. That you have prepared hearts. You have prepared minds. You have prepared people. Help us to step out in full faith, believing that great, powerful, mighty things are going to happen, and that we will see revival and salvation of souls. Amen.