By Pastor Naomi Mitchell
For Carter County Times
Making ready for Christ’s return should be on the hearts and minds of every believer. Prayer is the means that Christ has appointed so that our hearts will not be overcome with indulgences, drunkenness, and the cares of this life; so that the day of Christ’s return will not come upon us suddenly as a snare. (See Luke 21:34-35.) We are warned in scripture, “Watch you therefore, and pray always, that (we) may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (verse 36). According to this passage, there is only one way that we can be prepared for the coming of the Lord when He appears; through much prayer.
The second coming of Jesus Christ is a subject that is awakening much interest and discussion in our day. It is one thing to be interested in the Lord’s return and to talk about it, but it is another thing to be prepared for it. We live in an atmosphere that has a constant tendency to make us unsuitable for Christ’s coming. The world tends to draw us down by self-indulgence and care. There is one way by which we can triumphantly rise above these things – by constant watching in prayer, that is, by sleeplessness in prayer. “Watch” in this passage is the same strong word used in Ephesians 6:18, and “always” means to pray at all times. (R.A. Torrey)
Luke 21:26 states, “Men’s hearts fail them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken”. This verse is part of a larger passage, Luke 21:26-28, which discusses signs of the end times. The phrase “failing them” means to faint or be overcome, indicating that fear will be so great that people’s hearts will almost stop from terror.
In 2 Timothy 3:1-5: “But understand this: In the last days perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!” But understand this: In the last days there will come times of difficulty. – 2 Timothy 3:1
Perilous times can be challenging, but we can find comfort in the Bible’s teachings during these moments. When Paul mentions perilous times in 2 Timothy, he is drawing our attention to the trials and difficulties we face in the world. These times can bring fear and uncertainty, but as Christians, we find hope through our faith in God. We know that even in our struggles, He is with us, guiding us and offering strength. In the face of perilous times, we are called to stand firm and support one another, fostering unity and spreading love. Together, we can navigate these challenges with the understanding that God is in control. His promises remind us that we can have peace amidst turmoil.
While the Bible warns of perilous times, it also offers hope and assurance of God’s sovereignty and ultimate victory. Believers are reminded that despite the challenges, they are called to be salt and light in the world, reflecting the love and truth of Christ until his return.
The person who spends little time in prayer, who is not steadfast and constant in prayer, will not be ready for the Lord when he comes. But we can be ready. How? Watch and pray! Watch and pray!
Amen! So be it!
JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and Joyful Kids Class at 10:30am, 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM & WEKG 81.0 AM Sundays 1-2pm.
