2020 Daily Devotion - Day 135

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Thursday, August 6, 2020

A couple of years ago, my wife Torild and I were on vacation. We were staying in a hotel where we had stayed many times before. All of a sudden, in the middle of the night around 2:00 or 3:00am, the fire alarm went off in our room, and in the entire hotel. There was a voice announcing we must leave the room immediately. You could imagine how scary this was. We were in a deep sleep and then awakened by loud alarms and a commanding voice; at this point, not sure what to actually do while gathering our thoughts.

I remember opening the door to the room and looking out to the hallway, and others were doing the same thing. I think we were all wondering if this was real or a mistake. After all, I didn’t smell smoke or see any rescue personnel. After looking at one another for a couple of minutes, the alarm stopped and the voice announced it was a false alarm. It was a moment I will never forget. However, it was also a moment which made me think. I realized I was not prepared for this kind of moment. I didn’t really know what to do. None us really knew what to do. 

That happens in life as well. Too many just mindlessly march through life not giving much thought about what we should know or do when life becomes difficult. So now is the time to grow into greater spiritual maturity. You can be emotionally mature, yet spiritually immature. This period of the Coronavirus has been a difficult time and many were not ready for any of what we have been going through. So, if we have learned anything through this time, let it be to be prepared spiritually for whatever might come. Go to church regularly, become deeply engaged in Christian community, read your Bible and pray constantly. Then when the alarm goes off, you will know what to do.

Proverbs 21:31 ESV
The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, You will win the victory. However, You want us to help by being ready for tough times. Allow this season to remind us we need to be prepared. Help us to take new steps in growing into spiritual maturity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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