My grand kids sometimes ask me to call them at a certain times and make sure they are awake and ready for an appointment or whatever. Most motels offer a wake-up service and many times we need one in order to meet our schedules and stay on time. The term ‘woke’ we hear so much about right now is not the kind of wake-up call I write about today.
Our country has received many wake-up calls… in the last few years especially…ones we dare not ignore. The church also has been called to wake up and see what is happening in our lives and the lives of those around us. We have no time to waste in getting the Word out about the good news of Jesus Christ. The number of deaths in recent months should be an alarm that wakes us up to the need of a Savior. The voice of one crying in the wilderness is not always easy to hear amid so much hate and violence.
In the time of a national disaster, television and radio broadcasts are interrupted in order to advise us where to turn to for assistance and information…Information that hopefully will help us to survive and stay safe. As Christians, we should know where to turn and praying ‘without ceasing’ by now, should have become a part of our lives. We are treading in deep water, but a lifeboat is always available for those who look for it. This is no time to ignore that still small voice that speaks to our hearts and says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Remember: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
We often need reminded that, even in times of uncertainly and unrest, we have a shelter, a place to go where joy fills our hearts and the burdens of life are lifted…and this joy is to be shared with others. Times of gloom and doom are brightened only by the joy of knowing that God is in control, not the politicians and doctors, or the news media who only speak of more death and destruction to come. The devil tries hard to convince us there is no hope, no reason to rejoice, but don’t be fooled. There is still power in the name of Jesus and he will be exalted above all others! Best of all news is: …there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. Acts 4: 12
While looking around at the situations we face, never forget to see the goodness that surrounds us as well. There are souls being saved, babies being born, flowers blooming…a light shining in the darkness. As we draw nearer the light, it gets brighter and soon the darkness fades away. The sun rises and sets as each day brings new mercies and hope of a better tomorrow. Ask God to show you the wonders of His love for you, and He will.
Let us take this wake-up call and respond to His invitation found in Matthew 11: 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Let us not ignore these wake-up calls. Connect with Him and we will fully understand and appreciate the truth in the words of this song:
I said I couldn’t tell it to a living soul, how he brought salvation and he made me whole…
But I found I couldn’t hide such love as Jesus did impart.
It makes me laugh and it makes me cry, sets my sinful soul on fire,
When God dips his love in my heart!