Many people have asked me, “Are you ready?” Maybe because I leave in just a week, this question has become one that I have thought a lot more deeply about. What a question!
Are any of us ever truly ready for anything God asks of us?
How do I determine my readiness for Christ anyway?
Do I wake up and attempt to find my breastplate of righteousness? (Ephesians 6:14)
Is it by my good deeds? (Luke 18:11)
Is it by the number of Bible studies I attend? (Matthew 6:6)
Is by how many times I go to church? (Mark 13:1-2)
Is it by the number of people who have forgiven me for the hurt I’ve caused them? (Matthew 9:5)
The Spirit told me from day one in signing up for this adventure, “You are ready because you are willing.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)
If my readiness was determined by my righteous deeds I wouldn’t even make it to Atlanta, Georgia, to get on the plane. I don't even own a breastplate of righteousness. If my readiness was determined by the number of devotions I had in a week, I would need another job. If my readiness was determined by ALL the people who have yet to forgive me for the guy I used to be, I would never make it out of my parents’ house.
Thankfully with my God, my past does not determine my future (Philippians 3:13).
With my God, today is a new day (Psalm 118:24).
Today, I can be who He has created me to be (Ephesians 1:5).
Today, I can overcome any problem, addiction, person and or situation (John 16:33, 1 John 4:4).
Today, I don’t have to worry about tomorrow and if I’ll be ready (Matthew 6:34).
Today, all I have to be is willing (Psalm 37:7).
I’m not perfect and God knows that. After all, He created me. My relationship with the Spirit is not determined by the "do this…" and "don't do that…" talk of Christianity. He gives opportunities and allows us to decide if we are ready.
So am I ready?
“No. But I am willing.” (2 Peter 3:8-9)
-Zac
