Prepared (Are you ready?)

Are you ready? Are you prepared? In 1952 Hank Williams wrote and recorded these words: “No matter how I struggle and strive, I’ll never get out of this world alive.” It seems prophetic when we consider that not long afterward, he would leave this world at only 29 years old. So, are you prepared when your time comes? What does it mean to be ready?

The battle is real

I see so many who are wrestling through life. At times it seems they seem ready to throw in the towel. But the struggle is real; the pain and the journey are real. Over the years, I have taken turns going down nearly every road presented. Some were good, some were great, and many were horror stories. Indeed as I enter the second act of life, the next phase, if you will, my perspective is much more straightforward as to what is essential.

Ready? Prepared?

I have presided over hundreds of memorials during my ministry over the last 23 years. Every one of those services gives a different thought or emotion. Some can be very sad; while others are joyous celebrations, and some are (no pun intended) dead. What do I mean? The one who parted was not ready.

Reality of the battle

Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” We read this Scripture and see an absolute. We hear this, and regardless of one’s faith or belief, there can be no argument; death is unavoidable, and an appointment awaits. As Hank Williams wrote: “I’ll never get out of this world alive.”

While such a message seems morbid, friends, it does not have to be. We have a promise found in Romans 10:9 that says,

“if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.”

Personal question: are you prepared?

Yes, it is that simple! God made a way to settle things and for the journey to end well. So, as we look toward another day, we all know that tomorrow has no promise to any of us. So, have you prepared for your appointment? Have you confessed? Do you believe?

Sincerely: the time is now

I say this out of love and compassion for all. Leaving this earth unprepared is the absolute worst choice one will ever make in this life. Every mistake, every wrong decision, every rotten thought, all of those times ten are nothing compared to eternity apart from God.

From my heart to yours, whether we know each other or not on this earth, I want to spend eternity together. Therefore, I pray you will consider your preparation and listen to God’s still, small voice about this most critical matter. The choice you make here will impact eternity. Are you prepared or willing to consider the need?

Take the time while you have it

Many have a wait-and-see attitude when it comes to life and death. But, unfortunately, “I’ll deal with that when it comes” is never a good concept regarding death. So, again, not being morbid, but it is one of the guarantees of life. If you come into this world, one day, you will leave it. But, the blessing of God, the grace of God, allows us to have a say in what is next. So, while we never know the moment, we can always be ready. Stand ready, stand prepared when that moment comes.

Encouragement

With all the distractions in our world going on right now, may we be grateful for the gift of life and the promise of a better tomorrow. Jesus is alive, and because of that fact, we can face all that comes our way. Our God is bigger than any mountain we can or cannot see. God is good, and He never stops being good. Celebrate life today but prepare for eternal life by accepting God’s most precious gift.  Our best days are ahead of us because He lives. Keep pressing forward and never quit.

Pastor Andy