A Focus on Him

It’s 2022 - Are You Ready?

PHOTO AND WRITING BY LILLIAN CUCUZZA

While scanning the skies watching for the bald eagle to make another appearance over the lake, I heard a big splash! Immediately turning toward the splash, I missed a photo opportunity of an osprey diving into the lake, snatching a fish, and emerging with its prize! I got the photo of the osprey with the fish in its claws afterthe fact. But I missed the opportunity for a great series of shots because it caught me by surprise, and I was notready! I was looking for something else that I thought was better. Instantly I realized it would be the nexus forthis article. It made me wonder how many people will miss the moment when Jesus comes back for His bride,the church, because they were caught by surprise and not ready.

Jesus warns in Matthew 24:37-44 (NIV) that no one knows the hour or the day of His return, which is why we need to be ready now! Jesus says, As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.

We are to be expectant and prepared, watching the signs of the times, just like we watch the weather for storms. When asked by the disciples in Luke 21:7-11 (NIV) …when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place? He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” Then He said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.”

We are hearing of more wars, uprisings (even in our own nations), earthquakes, famines, and pestilences (i.e., Corona Virus) than ever before. Could these all be signs of the end times? No one knows, but we need to be ready.

Jesus also warned us in Matthew 24:23-25 (NIV) to be careful and not be deceived. He said, At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There He is!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time.

So how do you prepare? Put your trust in Jesus Christ alone as your personal Savior today, and lead others to do the same. As the apostle Paul says in Romans 10:9 (NIV), If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. It is a one-time decision in your heart. You can never lose your salvation, nor can you forfeit it. God’s unconditional promise is that He will never take it away from you. Jesus said, I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:28, NIV)

It is now 2022. Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. Are you ready for the return of Jesus? If you are, hallelujah! If not, make today the day of your salvation! We are closer to the return of Jesus than ever before in the history of the world. Do not miss your shot of making Jesus your Savior. Don’t be caught looking at earthly things thinking they are better than the spiritual. If you are not ready when He comes, it will be too late to make that decision.

Why not start the new year with the best shot of your life – choosing Jesus as your Savior and Lord? Do it today, because ready or not, here He comes!

Lillian’s passions are nature photography and serving God. Her photo art is showcased in an art gallery in Dade City, Florida. She has authored several photo books and a children’s book. As a contributor to Voice of Truth, Lillian uses her photography and writing talents to glorify and honor God for His beautiful creation.

Visit, like, and follow her website www.HisCreationsLLC.com, Facebook, and Instagram @HISCreationsLLC, or email her at Lillian.HisCreations@gmail.com.