But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief...

II Peter 3:10, NASB

Throughout Scripture, we read of the warnings to get prepared. Jesus and the apostles pointed out that the Day of Judgment would come when it was least expected. Just as in the days of Noah, when people were marrying and giving up in marriage (In other words, living life as normal) and the flood came taking everyone unawares, so too will be the Second Coming of Jesus. Jesus pointed out  during His ministry that the thief comes when least expected, and it will surely be the same with His coming. He did not say this because He hated us. Unlike the thief who comes only to kill and to steal and to destroy, Jesus' coming will bring only good things to those who love and obey Him. We know this because He sacrificed His very life that we might have a chance at eternal life. But Jesus was trying to help us to see the urgency.

So, too, was the Apostle Peter in his letter to the churches. He pointed out that the Lord's coming would seem slow to many, but that it was because of God's love that He was patiently waiting for everyone who desired to repent to have the time to do so. Still, His patience will someday end and so too will this world in which we live. So Peter uses the same concept that His Lord used when he reminded us that the end would come unexpectedly - much like a thief coming at an unexpected hour.

The question, then, is do we understand the seriousness of our present situation? Do we have things in our lives that we know are displeasing to God, that we fully intend to get rid of some day, but we just haven't got around to yet? Do you have sin that you are still holding onto? Have we had that sin washed away yet? Are we walking in the light as He is in the light, or are we pretty much living in a worldly fashion just like everybody else?

In short, do we feel the urgency of our situation? If so, yet we still find ourselves in need of changes, then change! Don't wait until it's too late to change, and don't allow those you love to wait either. I realize that you and I cannot force change upon anyone, but we can encourage those we love in the right direction. You mamas and daddies can encourage your kids to do the right things, just as true friends can encourage one another to get their lives right before God. 

Change rarely comes all at once, so do not be discouraged if your loved ones are not responding as fast as you would hope - just do the best you can every day. We have to start today, though, for how can we say that we see the urgency if we don't get started, right now? God will help you, but you must see the urgency. Just as God has been patient with you, you must be patient with others, but...

the time to begin getting serious for God is right now. It is not too late, but you must see the urgency for our time will be up some day. By the grace of God, we still have a chance, so by all means take that chance. If your life is not right with God, then get it right. And if your loved one's life is not right before God, help them to make the necessary changes. Pray to God for wisdom. Read His word to find out what He expects of you. Then, do it!

For the day of the Lord really will come like a thief on a day we are least expecting. If you are ready for that day, you can look forward to it with great anticipation. But we must get started now, and we can only do that if we see the urgency to do so. You don't have to do this in a panic, for God wants you to have peace, but you do have to do it. So, what are you waiting for?

By the way, if you have been helped by this article and think others might as well, be sure to like and share it. I appreciate, so much, your kindness in taking the time to read and share these daily thoughts!