Are You 'Ready'?

Hurricane Charlie damage

Seasons of life come upon us whether we are ready or not, sometimes gradually and with much opportunity to observe & prepare (birth, gray hair); sometimes suddenly and with NO warning (car accident, illness).  Often when I think I am 'ready', I then find that my expectations were faulty, certainly not sufficient to have me truly prepared. Even wise counsel and past experiences often only offer partial insight.  "Why me, God?" becomes my cry, selfishness surfaces - I realize that I need God!

This is exactly where I should be - on my knees, crying out to Him, giving up my own thoughts and plans.  His ways are high above our ways, His grace is sufficient, His faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

We need God - every minute - for every situation in which we find ourselves. "Without Him, we can do NOTHING" -John 15:5 (NKJV).  The state of "being prepared" or ready for life's twists and turns can only come from spending time with our Heavenly Father, in His Presence.  There we will receive our daily bread, whatever we truly need to sustain us for the day (not necessarily what we want or what we think we need). All He asks is that we follow Him, and He gave us His own Son Jesus as our example.  Ponder Jesus's life, His choices, His relationship to His Father, His humility and selflessness (do we take the time we need to ponder/meditate/receive revelation from the Holy Spirit?).

This life and our daily walk are not about us, but about Him - to glorify God in our being and doing.  Turn away every selfish thought- they only bring death, not life.  Life is found in Jesus alone - He is the Life! Yield any area with which you are struggling to the Holy Spirit that He may lead/guide/teach you - after all, God knows us better than we know ourselves and His mercies are new every morning.

Thank you, Lord, for Your great love for us, even in our weakness - may You show Yourself strong and be glorified.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing..." Philippians 2:14 (NIV)

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." I Peter 4:8 -11 (NIV)

Sweet Glow of Mercy by Gary Chapman (click to hear song)