Living Ready
By Vanessa Dawson
The trapeze artist asked, “Are you ready?” She told me not to be afraid, it wasn’t about strength but timing and position. All I had to do was listen for her voice and reach for her hands. I climbed the ladder to the platform, grabbed the bar and waited for my cue. She assured me that I could trust her and she would catch me. The moment came, I heard my call and jumped. Swinging from the bar I hooked my legs, hung from my knees, listened and reached. What joy and excitement to feel her grasp and complete the catch!
This experience makes me think about Sunday’s message and how to live ready for the return of Jesus Christ. I am learning how important it is to invest quality time with Jesus and to develop good spiritual rhythms that will position me to stay close to the Lord and hear His voice. Living ready for the return of Jesus takes intentionality. As I spend consistent time with the Lord His Spirit fills me with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal.5:22) Spending time with Jesus positions me to receive wisdom, (James 1:5) helps me discern the plans God has for me each day, (Isaiah 30:21) and teaches me how to live. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Mark 12:30-31)
Living ready for the return of Jesus does require our active participation but we are not alone. God is so gracious and kind. He knows our struggles and promises to be there to help us. It begins with taking time and positioning ourselves to respond to His voice. Isaiah 41:13, “For I hold you by your right hand-I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’” We do not need to fear this life or the challenges it brings. God holds us by His mighty hands and promises to help us. We can trust Him.
How are you living ready for the return of Jesus? Can you take some time today to sit in God’s presence? Imagine your hands in His. You are not alone. Begin with a few minutes and establish a rhythm of daily connection with the Lord. How can you position yourself to hear from Jesus? Can you take a few minutes and open your Bible? Read a Psalm, a Proverb, or meditate on a few verses. Ask God to speak to you. Are you connected to community where you can be encouraged and challenged by brothers and sisters in Christ? Can you take a few minutes in prayer and thank God for the blessings in your day, pray about the things that concern you and listen for His direction? God loves you so much and is there for you.
Jesus is coming back. 1 Thessalonians 4:17, “Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.” I don’t think I will be swinging from a trapeze when Jesus comes back but I am confident that positioning myself to spend time with Him each day will ensure I am ready. How about you?
Blessings, Vanessa
The trapeze artist asked, “Are you ready?” She told me not to be afraid, it wasn’t about strength but timing and position. All I had to do was listen for her voice and reach for her hands. I climbed the ladder to the platform, grabbed the bar and waited for my cue. She assured me that I could trust her and she would catch me. The moment came, I heard my call and jumped. Swinging from the bar I hooked my legs, hung from my knees, listened and reached. What joy and excitement to feel her grasp and complete the catch!
This experience makes me think about Sunday’s message and how to live ready for the return of Jesus Christ. I am learning how important it is to invest quality time with Jesus and to develop good spiritual rhythms that will position me to stay close to the Lord and hear His voice. Living ready for the return of Jesus takes intentionality. As I spend consistent time with the Lord His Spirit fills me with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal.5:22) Spending time with Jesus positions me to receive wisdom, (James 1:5) helps me discern the plans God has for me each day, (Isaiah 30:21) and teaches me how to live. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Mark 12:30-31)
Living ready for the return of Jesus does require our active participation but we are not alone. God is so gracious and kind. He knows our struggles and promises to be there to help us. It begins with taking time and positioning ourselves to respond to His voice. Isaiah 41:13, “For I hold you by your right hand-I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’” We do not need to fear this life or the challenges it brings. God holds us by His mighty hands and promises to help us. We can trust Him.
How are you living ready for the return of Jesus? Can you take some time today to sit in God’s presence? Imagine your hands in His. You are not alone. Begin with a few minutes and establish a rhythm of daily connection with the Lord. How can you position yourself to hear from Jesus? Can you take a few minutes and open your Bible? Read a Psalm, a Proverb, or meditate on a few verses. Ask God to speak to you. Are you connected to community where you can be encouraged and challenged by brothers and sisters in Christ? Can you take a few minutes in prayer and thank God for the blessings in your day, pray about the things that concern you and listen for His direction? God loves you so much and is there for you.
Jesus is coming back. 1 Thessalonians 4:17, “Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.” I don’t think I will be swinging from a trapeze when Jesus comes back but I am confident that positioning myself to spend time with Him each day will ensure I am ready. How about you?
Blessings, Vanessa