Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Wake-Up Call


Yesterday my 17 year old son’s life flashed in front of him. He was in an accident which could have taken his life. While changing lanes on the highway he encountered a roadblock. He swerved to keep from hitting this unknown object at 65 mph when he lost control of his car. He crossed 3 lanes of traffic and drove into a deep ravine when his air bags deployed. He stopped only feet from the other side of the highway into oncoming traffic. The object he avoided hitting was cushions for a sofa that must have fallen off of a truck. Needless to say our entire family was shook up and only after we were safe at home did we release all of our emotions.

My son realized that he had his very own “wake-up” call. We can gratefully praise God that he was not hurt, nor were any other vehicles involved. He was truly protected from a potential hazardous accident. Yes, his vehicle was totaled, but it was a small price to pay for his life. He forgot to fasten his seatbelt and only moments before the accident did he hear a voice whisper to his heart to fasten his seatbelt. That voice was the sweet Holy Spirit who guides and comforts us.

This morning I stopped to think of how many times God diverts danger on our behalf. We cannot even comprehend how much He loves us and what He does to protect and woo us to Himself. Unfortunately far too often we are guilty of becoming so consumed with our own lives and our own agendas that we give little thought or attention to our mighty God. Until tragedy or disaster strikes, that is. Then our eyes momentarily look upward. May we regard them as serious “wake-up” calls. May we wake up to what is really important in life. May we wake up to loving our families and those He places in our paths. May we wake up to the importance of having a vibrant relationship with the God who created us and loves us more than we can ever imagine. May we wake up and stop giving him the scraps of our day. May we wake up to stop the complaining, arguing, and materialism that we are so wrapped up in. Life is so precious. Jesus tells us that we are but a mist that is here for a short while and then we are gone. Why do we squander our life away pursuing useless things that we think will make us happy? Haven’t we realized yet that these “things” are only temporary? Only a relationship with Jesus can bring us true fulfillment and a joy that surpasses all understanding. We must stop our busyness to make time for God. That is the only way will grow in knowledge and love.

This morning I was led to Isaiah 55, an Invitation to the Thirsty. How very appropriate! Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

God is saying that food and other things cost money, last only a short while and meet only our physical needs. But He offers free nourishment that feeds our souls. To nourish our souls we must come to Him and eagerly receive it. We will starve spiritually without this food just as we would starve physically without daily bread.

The time is here. The time is now. Hear the call. The Father of creation is beckoning you. If you seek Him you will find Him. Don’t wait for a wake-up call. Turn to Him now. Don’t wait for tragedy, sickness, or financial ruin before you come. I urge you to not wait. Today may be all you have. God loves you too much to leave you where you are and if necessary He will allow these little “wake-up” calls to remind you to turn to Him while He may be found. Don’t put it off one more second.

Remember, every decision becomes a destination. Today you face a choice. Your eternal life depends on it.

Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. Deut 30:19

Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. Joshua 24:15

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Isaiah 55:6

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