“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” I Thessalonians 4:16-18
Earlier this week, I checked my social media page and found an announcement that another friend of many years had gone on to be with the Lord. It seems that has been the story almost every week lately. I realize that as we get older that will be the case. A lot of people even younger than I am have left this world in the last few months.
Since childhood I have heard about the coming of the Lord and the need to be ready. Years have passed and still He hasn’t returned. We cannot help but realize as we look around at our world today, that He will soon be returning. I know I have mentioned this many times lately, but I feel an urgency to pray for the prodigals, that time is running out for them to get back to the Lord. I have some family members who have wandered far way from what they once knew and believed, but I keep holding on to the promise God gave me years ago, that they are going to be saved. They may not want me to preach to them, but they can’t stop me from praying. And I serve a prayer-answering God, a God of miracles.
Of course, we all know that we are not guaranteed tomorrow and that even if the Lord delays His coming for His church, He could take us home at any moment. Life is uncertain. That is why it is so important that we stay close to the Lord, seek His face every day, read His Word, and spend time communicating with Him. If there ever was a time for us to let God search our hearts, and cleanse us from anything that hinders our fellowship with Him, it is now.
When we know our heart is right with God, then we can earnestly pray for those that are not ready to meet the Lord. There are places we cannot go, but as we pour out their names before the Lord, His Spirit reaches across the miles, and somehow moves within their hearts, stirring them to seek the Lord. Revival starts within my heart and yours, and then reaches out to others.
Are you ready for Christ’s coming? If you are reading this and you are not sure, today is the day to do something about it. Are you praying for God to restore prodigals to Him, and to draw many souls into His kingdom? The prayer you pray today, may be the once that God answers tomorrow.
Prayer: Jesus, search out our hearts, see if there be any wicked way in us. Cleanse us anew with your precious blood. Give us a burden and a concern for lost souls.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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