Conversations With God

Now is The Time

E Paulette Taylor

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Romans 13:11 (NKJV)

Have you ever thought to yourself, I wish I had more time to ___. I am sure you could fill this space with a myriad of items. But God, in His wisdom, only provides us 24 hours in any given day. There are events set in motion now to usher in the fulfillment of prophecy.

Now is the time. As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work (John 9:4, NKJV). In Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 6.1, as Ellen G. White wrote, “. . . It began to be clear that this work could never be finished unless the laity vigorously united with the ministry in carrying the message to the world.”

The opportunity to reach out and touch someone for the Lord is easier than you think. Call to check in on a friend; or send a card or note to a neighbor; or text a family member needing encouragement; or share a “thank you” for a job well done to the ministry team. While standing in line, share how the Lord leads you; or maybe mentor new members to your church family—befriend them, and make them feel like Jesus would. Don’t give up or give in when Satan tells you otherwise. Now is the time. There are so many ways to show God’s love and share His light with others. Remember, all David had was faith and a rock. All you need is faith in the Rock! Be enlightened by the God who covers us all. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress and my deliverer. . . . (Psalm 18:2, KJV). But before you do any of the above, seek the Lord in prayer. He will direct your path.

The COVID-19 virus has challenged and changed much in our lives, but we no longer have the luxury of time. His coming is so much closer than we think. Don’t delay whatever the Lord leads you to do or say— do it with all your heart. Now is the time to appreciate someone else, in God’s name. The very presence of the shadow of the Cross should mindfully move us forward in our Christian walk. God’s love for us was and is so intense that He sent His only Son to die for each of us. Just that thought should humble our very souls, empowering us to move from our comfort zones and share the joy we personally have found in the salvation of Jesus Christ.

Our praise and thanksgiving to our God can serve as a testimony to our brothers and sisters in a world hostile to the truth. Saints, now is really the time to let the light of the Lord propel you to serve, teach, speak and enhance the lives of our fellow man.

May our prayerful actions, for the time we have left on this Earth, bless the hearts of others as we await His glorious return. P

Paulette Taylor, Prayer coordinator, Indiana Conference