Yesterday Dave and I took a drive, not far from our campground to a place called Lee’s Valley Reservoir. It’s a small lake – such a serene setting.
We weren’t there for the fishing or picnicking. We went specifically to find a strong internet connection so that we could stream our church service and get some computer work done. I couldn’t think of a nicer place to hold up.
It was so good to be a part of a live service and hear good teaching from God’s word.
After we left there, we stopped by to see a friend of ours, another camp host. We had a short visit but when the dark clouds started rolling in, we knew it was time to head for home. Within minutes the rain was pouring down, the windshield wipers on the truck couldn’t keep up.
About that time my phone rang. The rain was beating so strongly on the roof of the truck I didn’t know if we would be able to hear but I answered. Dave pulled the truck off the road on to an overlook. It was our oldest daughter. We chatted for a few minutes but explained about the driving rain we were experiencing so we cut the conversation short.
On to home.
As we pulled onto the road to the campground the sun broke through and everything appeared to be crisp and well washed by the rain. I went to check with the hosts on duty to make sure all was well.
What they told me was a bit unnerving. Just moments before we had arrived there had been a lightning strike in the campground. It was close to us. Dave and I went to investigate and make sure all the campers were ok. It struck right behind our 5th wheel in the site up the bank from us. The campers in that site had been sitting outside when it hit! They were obviously shaken but ok. Chunks of timber were thrown everywhere.
Dave and our manager were busy inspecting the tree and discussing its stability and the safety concerns while I spoke with the one camper. I told him I was sure that God had provided he and the others with protection. He agreed and then he said this, “That’s why we live each day as if it could be our last and we are ready anytime that this may be our last breath. I’m ready.”
I assured him we were too, and we were very grateful that they were all safe!
“So always be cheerful! As long as we are in these bodies, we are away from the Lord. 7 But we live by faith, not by what we see. 8 We should be cheerful, because we would rather leave these bodies and be at home with the Lord. 9 But whether we are at home with the Lord or away from him, we still try our best to please him.” II Corinthians 5:6-9 CEV
My question for you this morning is are you ready? Do you know that when you leave this body that you will be present with the Father? I would hate to think that those reading this might not be sure where they would be if they died today. If you’re uncertain please pray this simple prayer.
“Father, I’m not sure I’m ready if this is to be my final day on earth. I’m not sure I would be in heaven with You. I want to be sure. I know I have sinned, but I also know that Jesus died to see that my sins are forgiven and I can be adopted as one of Your children. I believe that You did this for me, and I ask you to receive me now as Your child. Thank you for giving me new life. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Today is a new day for all of us. Things may come that we aren’t expecting but nothing catches our heavenly Father unaware. We can have peace as we trust in Him.