April 8
Be Ready
for His Return
"So you also must be ready. The Son of Man will come at a time when you don’t expect him."
Matthew 24:44 (NIrV)
Vanessa loved her life of freedom. Weekends were filled with loud music, crowded clubs, and carefree laughter. She told herself she had plenty of time to settle down, turn her life around, and think about God. “When I’m older,” she would say to her friends, laughing. “For now, I’m living my best life.”
But deep down, Vanessa knew she felt empty. After every wild night, there was a nagging sense of unease she couldn’t shake. Her grandmother had always told her, “Vanessa, don’t wait to make peace with God. You don’t know when your time will come.” But Vanessa dismissed the advice. “I have years ahead of me,” she thought.
One rainy evening, Vanessa was driving home from a party, the sound of raindrops tapping against the windshield. As she turned a sharp corner, her car skidded on the slick road. For a brief moment, time seemed to freeze. Her heart raced as the car spun out of control and stopped just inches from a steep ditch. Shaken, Vanessa gripped the steering wheel, her mind racing with what could have happened.
That night, lying in bed, she replayed the event in her mind. “What if I hadn’t made it?” she whispered. For the first time in a long while, she opened her Father’s old Bible, which had been gathering dust on her shelf. Her eyes fell on Matthew 24:44: “So you also must be ready. The Son of Man will come at a time when you don’t expect him.”
Tears streamed down her face as she realized the truth. She had been living as though tomorrow was guaranteed, but her near-accident reminded her how uncertain life could be. Vanessa dropped to her knees and prayed for the first time in years.
“Lord, I’ve been running from You, thinking I had all the time in the world. I don’t want to live another day without being ready for You. Please forgive me for my pride and help me to follow You.”
From that day forward, Vanessa’s life began to change. She found joy in walking closely with God and a purpose that no party or thrill could ever match. She stopped waiting for “someday” and embraced the present as an opportunity to live for Him.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for reminding us that life is fragile and tomorrow is not guaranteed.
Forgive us when we put off following You, thinking we have all the time in the world.
Like Vanessa, help us to see the urgency of living for You today.
May we stay ready for Your return, seeking Your will in all that we do.
Fill us with peace and purpose as we walk closely with You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
