by Debbie Worzalla / CCM, Together, doing life Right!
Living in Florida, most of us are familiar with hurricane preparations. We know when a storm is coming so we prepare by stocking up on water, canned food, candles, and other necessities. We fill our cars with gas, install hurricane shutters, then we hunker down and wait for the storm to pass.
Life is filled with preparations. We prepare for job interviews, exams in school, for new babies — but how much thought and preparation do we give to the rapture or even our own death. Only God knows what the future holds. The Bible warns us the Lord will come like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2). Nobody can predict the exact time or date of the rapture. Therefore, all Christ Followers need to be ready!
The heavenly plan has excellent benefits. We are transitioned from imperfect to perfect and from sinful to sinless — Hallelujah! Our old weak bodies will be replaced with new glorified bodies. We will recognize one another. Our new bodies will last for eternity. We get to enjoy eating and drinking. Remember, without sin there will be no pain, suffering or disease. We get to live for eternity in paradise with Jesus. Those who put their hope in worldly things will face judgment and destruction. In order to prepare for this journey, we must fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith. Philippians 3:20-21 tells us, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”
God is a God of mercy and His hope is that none should perish. So, for us to prepare for our ultimate death or rapture, we need to be sure our lifestyle is based on the Word of God. We can’t allow the world’s false beliefs to influence our life. We need to continue the work of Jesus. It is imperative that we share the Gospel with an unbelieving world. Let’s make sure we are using our time and our talents wisely to expand the Kingdom of Heaven!
Scripture references from NIV unless otherwise noted.