An Invitation with an Expiration

Key Verse: Isaiah 55:6 –"Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near."

Opening Thought:

Have you ever received an invitation with an expiration date? Maybe it was for a special event, a job offer, or a limited-time opportunity. In the same way, God extends an invitation to us—an invitation to eternal life—but it is not open forever. There is an urgency in responding to His call.

Jesus Himself speaks about this invitation, and today, this is not just any kind of invitation; this is the invitation to eternal life. Many Christians have forgotten to preach about the coming of the Lord, especially those who are satisfied with what they can achieve here in the world. But we must remember:

You can take this world and all it has to offer, but give me Jesus.

We are living for an eternal purpose. We must not get so focused on earthly things that we forget our true goal—to finish the race and stand face to face before Jesus. That is the ultimate reward!

1. It’s Time to Get Hungry – Desire God

• Our world desperately needs a move of the Holy Spirit, and it will come through those who are truly hungry for God.
• Why do we continue laboring for things that do not satisfy? God is calling us to trust in Him, even when we don’t see immediate answers in our situation.

2. It’s Time to Accept the Invitation to Go Deeper

• Now is the time for repentance. Repentance is not a sign of weakness but of faith. When we come to God with a heart that is hungry and truly repentant, He sees our trust in Him over the approval of people.

3. It’s Time to Accept God’s Plan for Our Lives

• Sometimes, we go through trials and hardships and question whether God is still with us. But just because we face challenges doesn’t mean that God is distant or unkind. The process is necessary for shaping us into who God created us to be.
• God’s thoughts are not for our destruction but for our good. He says:
  My thoughts are not for you to die, but to use you, to bless you, to love you, to comfort you, and to give you joy. My ways are higher.
• Many miss God’s plan because they disqualify themselves in their minds. But today, God extends His invitation for you to walk in the fullness of your calling.

Who can understand the mind of the Lord? Even in pain, confusion, or uncertainty, God’s purpose remains. Trust in His plans for your life; they will never harm you but will always bring blessing.

Final Thought:

You have been born for such a time as today! Not for yesterday, not for tomorrow—right now. If you have breath in your lungs, Jesus declares over your life: I have called you for such a time as this!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your invitation to walk in Your purpose. Help me to recognize the urgency of seeking You while You may be found. Give me a hunger for more of You and a desire to go deeper in my faith. Lord, I surrender my plans to You and trust in the path You have laid before me. Strengthen me to embrace the calling You have placed on my life, and help me to bring others into Your kingdom. I choose to walk in obedience and faith, knowing that I have been born for such a time as this. In Jesus’ name, Amen.