As kids, both Danny and
I participated in drills during the school day. Among them were the fire drill,
tornado drills and even atomic bomb drills. We were urged to listen to our
teacher and follow her instructions quickly and without questioning. After all
we were preparing for a life and death situation. It was imperative that we
obey in order to save our lives. I can
imagine that the teacher in Connecticut who saved the lives of her entire
classroom must have urged the children to get into closets and cabinets
quickly. Were they afraid? I’m sure. But they knew their teacher, that she
could be trusted so they listened to her. She probably told them to be very
quiet as well. Her quick thinking combined with their quick obedience saved
their lives. The teacher, just like our teachers back then, shielded the lives
of her students.
While none of the
drills I participated in as a child ever resulted in needing an escape or
protection plan in real life, still I remember believing the teachers’ words
without any desire to disobey. For the
fire drill, when she said “line up” we did! We wanted out of the building as
quickly as possible. Out on the school yard we’d look around and see that the
entire school was safe.
We are a blessed
people, those of us who have believed God and listened to His voice. We have
said Yes, when He called and accepted the shield of faith that saves our lives,
literally. The call to Christ is no fire drill, it’s real and the call to obey
is urgent. Without a quick response to the Savior of the World, we won’t make
it out alive. Today is all we have. Tomorrow may not come. There are many dangers, toils and snares –
each one designed to take our lives by keeping us from heaven. But God’s plan
of Salvation is so simple that a child can follow it.
We are blessed as well
because when our Lord says “line up” it’s in our best interests to do so. Sure,
everybody’s doing their own thing, but God says to His children, “Line up according
to My Word.” It’s not a drill, it’s real
life. And the only way you’ll be safe is to quickly obey the Master’s call. His
Word is not meant to keep us bound but to set us free! True freedom is only
found in putting our trust in One Who knows better than we do. He can be
trusted and followed without question.
Oh beloved, life is so
fragile! Are you listening to the Father’s voice? Are you handling your
troubles, trials, sorrows and mourning with prayer? Are you giving your hopes
and dreams to the One Who created you so that you can live a life without
regrets? Are you sure in your heart that you can trust God, that even when bad
things happen, you are safest in following Him closely and listening to every
Word that proceeds from His mouth? God freely
offers you the blessing of heaven, but He wants to give you the blessing of
obedience here and now as well. Won’t you run to Him this morning and take time
to hear Him clearly? Before the noise of the day and the busy-ness of life
drowns out His voice. His love is saying, “Here is the way” and His care is
saying, “Safe are those who trust Me”. Now that’s a God worth praising and following
all the days of your life!
Luke 1:46-47,49 Mary
responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my
Savior! For the Mighty One is holy, and He has done great things for me.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do
not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and
He will show you which path to take.
Jeremiah 17:7 But
blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and
confidence.
Deuteronomy 13:4 Serve only the LORD your God and fear Him
alone. Obey His commands, listen to His voice, and cling to Him.
Psalm 23:4 Even when I
walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside
me.
Psalm 16:11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your
presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.
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