Don’t you hate it when you oversleep? This morning didn’t start off at all like I had planned. I set my alarm clock for 4:45 a.m. so I could work out, have my quiet time, shower and post my blog before waking everyone up to get out the door on time. Fridays are our crazy days because both of my children are FCA leaders and they have to be at school really early. My husband was out of town, so I had to pull double duty and that meant leaving our house at 6:50 a.m. I knew I was in trouble when I sat straight up in bed, looked at the clock and saw 6:17 a.m.
I flew into action. I took a two minute shower and actually was able to shampoo and condition my hair. Those mission trips to Ghana taking cold showers really paid off. Not only was it a quick shower, but it was better than an extra strong cup of coffee. I was wide awake. I woke both kids up and we were moving quickly. We made it to school only a couple of minutes late. How on earth did we do it? We were prepared. The night before I had gathered all of my supplies for our FCA Christmas celebration and put them in the car. I had the kids get their backpacks ready the night before because I knew it would be an early morning and I hate to rush [Yes, I know you’re laughing at me now.].
Preparation is the key to success. God knows that. He goesn’t want us to be caught off guard. He gives us clues. In Matthew 3:3 we read about John the Baptist who went before the Lord preparing the way for Jesus. John wanted the people of God to prepare their hearts to receive what God was bringing them. He was about to deliver the greatest gift of all time, His Son, Jesus. He wanted to make sure people were aware and ready.
Are you aware and ready? Are you prepared? Is your heart right to receive Jesus today? I know you probably prayed a prayer in the past asking Jesus into your heart, but did you realize it takes daily surrender to His Lordship to truly walk out your faith? Each morning when you wake up, you have the opportunity to receive Jesus as Lord of your life that day or the opportunity to control it yourself. You don’t know what your day will hold? You don’t know if there will be a crisis you think you can handle or a situation that leaves you desperate for Jesus. If you settle who is calling the shots in your life by surrendering to Him at the start of each day, it won’t matter what happens. God will have your covered.
Are you prepared today?