Kenneth Copeland Ministries: Pursuit Of His PresenceSample

Don’t Be Caught by Surprise

by Gloria Copeland

“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2

We all know that Jesus is coming back someday. And, I believe, it’s much sooner than we all think. So we need to be ready.

It’s our responsibility to be prepared. God has given us everything we need. He has put His own Spirit within us and given us His written Word. He has given us teachers, preachers, pastors, evangelists, apostles and prophets to help us learn how to live by faith, how to live separated from the world, how to walk in the spirit, and how to operate in the power of God. But we must decide to make those things the priority in our lives.

One way to keep them a priority is by cultivating the expectancy of Jesus’ soon return. We must spend time studying and meditating the scriptures about Jesus’ coming.

Even though God hasn’t disclosed to us the exact day or the hour, according to the Bible, if we’re alert, we will know the season of His return. In fact, Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24 that His coming would be like the Flood in Noah’s day.

That flood took the world by surprise, didn’t it? The people were just going about their natural business, not expecting anything unusual, when suddenly they were swept away. They were completely in the dark about what was happening.

But Noah wasn’t caught by surprise! He’d been building the ark for years. He’d been expecting the Flood. He didn’t know the day or the hour, but he knew it was coming and he was ready. When it started to rain, Noah wasn’t in the dark, he was in the ark!

That’s how we’re supposed to be. We’re to be aware of the season (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6). If you’re watching and in tune with the Spirit, you won’t be in the dark. You won’t be unaware at the time of Jesus’ coming. You’ll know in your spirit He is at the door. You won’t be caught by surprise.

Speak the Word

“I look up and lift up my head for my redemption is drawing near!” —Luke 21:28

Need prayer? Call 817-852-6000. We’re here for you, 24/7!

Also, visit www.kcm.org/youversion to receive a free gift from Kenneth and Gloria Copeland.