When Life ChangesSample

 Ready, Set. . . 

Jesus spoke often of the need to get ourselves ready, the need to be prepared—prepared for the unexpected and, most importantly, prepared for God’s coming. Many of Jesus’ stories circled around the theme of readiness: the parable of the rich fool, the parable of the talents, the parable of the ten virgins. He said, 

“Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ” (Mark 13:33–37 )

Some of you reading this are already in the throes of transition. Jesus has said, “Go,” and you’re sprinting like mad, desperate to keep up. Scrambling to find the courage, confidence, and cool head you need to match His blistering pace.

Others aren’t in a time of transition (yet)—you are enjoying a season of peace and calm. Perhaps you began these devotions because life feels stagnant and you yearn for excitement, for spiritual adventure. Don’t worry. . .if life in Christ seems boring right now, it rarely stays that way for long!

Jesus calls us to use times of peace as times of preparation. In-between times can be in-process times, opportunities to:

• Practice spiritual disciplines that anchor our faith and deepen our convictions.

• Read and memorize God’s Word so that when Satan attacks, we are armed with an arsenal of scriptures (Luke 4:1–13; Ephesians 6:13–17).

• Fill our faith tank full for days when difficulties drain it.

• Form strong spiritual relationships to see us through painful times.

• Build a prayer life—an intimacy with God—that can weather tough storms.

Let’s get ready. Let’s use in-between times in useful ways, preparing ourselves so that when God says, “It’s time,” we can stand up and say, “I’m ready to go.”