The Book Marketing Network

For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers

Is there protection against California's earthquakes?

The earth did quake a few days ago. Although I was in my home in Florida, I heard its impact as it shook. I happened to be interpreting for a client and her patient located in a city in California. The conversation was calm and polite. Then their voices choked, then paused, gasps filled the air. And then the word “earthquake” echoed through the phone line.

How quickly, how abruptly their focus was redirected, the emotions shifted and tone changed—from friendly to frightened.

Is that how it will be when the Lord comes? We’ll be doing our own thing, following our routine, checking off to-do lists, planning our agenda, rushing off to the next activity. When suddenly, all will change because we may not only feel a huge motion, but a trumpet sound…and I can only imagine what will race through our minds.

California’s earthquake wasn’t the first, nor will it be the last. But when Jesus comes, it will only be one time for us to know He is here, in His glory, in His splendor and majesty.

The two people with whom I spoke on the few seconds of the earthquake didn’t expect it nor were they prepared. Hmm…that sparked a sobering reminder…am I prepared for His coming—today, next week, next month…or the very next second.

But the time isn’t important, what’s crucial is whether our soul is repented, our thoughts clean and our lives reflect Christ’s love.

Goodness, who can manage that! I wonder if I’d accomplish all that when I face Jesus. But relief comes knowing His forgiveness encompasses all sins, His mercy is new every morning, and His Word to guide us is relevant each second of each day.

And best news of all is that God doesn’t expect perfection but He does instruct diligent progress, genuine effort, and willingness to be transformed. Changed from the old ways to His, from what feels good enough, to strive for excellence. And most of all from “doing” to “being”—His children, confident, secure and committed.

Here’s Paul’s way to put it—a bit bold, but direct and clear: “Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord's return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, ‘Everything is peaceful and secure,’ then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman's labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.

But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-9).

Got your helmet on? If so, earthquakes, storms or hurricanes may cause our land to tremble, but nothing can shake our soul.

Janet

I’d love your comments, just send them here: jeckles@cfl.rr.com.

Janet Perez Eckles
www.janetperezeckles.com

"Life is not about what you cannot do because of circumstances out of your control. Success comes when you recognize what you can do with what God has given you."

Live in a hectic, hurried world? For my God-honoring, free inspirational newsletter, just send a blank email to: splash_of_inspiration@getresponse.com.

Views: 13

Comment

You need to be a member of The Book Marketing Network to add comments!

Join The Book Marketing Network

© 2024   Created by John Kremer.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service