02/08/2020
*THINGS WE TAKE FOR GRANTED*
Have you ever noticed how we have always been *sure* that some things will always be there? Just as sure as the rising of the sun in the east and it's setting in the west.
We have always known that school terms are pre-set years in advance. Here in Zimbabwe we have known:
First term: January - early April.
Second term: May to August.
Third term: September to December.
I know each country has it's own school calendar.
What a disruption in 2020...this is almost end of July and the second term is not in session yet. *Taken for granted but never came to be.*
I will go on vacation and fly out as usual. *Taken for granted until all planes were grounded for months.*
When I get my thirteenth cheque (annual bonus), I will spend it this way. *Taken for granted but today the company is waiting for a bail out from the state.*
Man plans but God executes. "Never boast about tomorrow. You don't know what will happen between now and then." Proverbs 27:1.
How many things have we seen working well and we take it for granted that it will always be like that?
Food is available in the stores, public transport runs well, fuel is always available and affordable, water is always running in the taps, I am well cushioned...my pension is guaranteed, my investments are fine, my bank balance is good, my business is doing well.
So many things pointing in the right direction.
Coronavirus...Covid 19 has shown us that normal life can be disrupted drastically and abruptly.
Economies that were growing suddenly shrunk - that is unfathomable!
Companies that were thriving just collapse.
Unprecedented!
"Before long I will shake heaven and earth, land and sea." Haggai 2:6. We can't deny that the earth has been shaken - industry, commerce, health sector, travel, tourism, education. Nothing remains the same and some changes are irreversible - they have become permanent.
It was always known that whenever you want to attend a church service you could go any time church is open. *Well, church doors closed for months.* Taken for granted until the unleashing of Covid 19.
Here are two important things:
First - Be thankful of what you have or are benefiting from because tomorrow it may not be there. "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thes 5:18.
Second: Use your time profitably - do today what needs to be done, tomorrow may be different. "Make good use of every opportunity you have because these are evil days." Ephesians 5:16.
Look at how many opportunities are being wasted...to pray fervently, to worship, to witness, to preach powerfully, to give, to forgive, to work at church, to show love, to labour for God, to use your talent and skill.
"So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us...." Romans 12:6.
"Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." Romans 12:11.
Time to do what we should do is now....if not now when?
*REALITY*
What you think will be may not be.
The convenient time you are waiting for may not come.
Things will not get better, they will get worse.
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." 2 Timothy 3:1.
Perilous: difficult, hard, rough, tough, dangerous.
*CHALLENGE*
This is the time to make things right with God.
He will forgive you and give you a fresh start, a new life.
Change is possible - you can focus more on God than you are doing.
What you are leaning on can break and there will be no support.
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth to it and is safe." Proverbs 18:10.
Jesus is coming back as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Prepare to meet your God. Amos 4:12.
