Imagine if God revealed to you today that He would do something exceptional in your life. He tells you that the extraordinary event you believe He's been preparing you for has finally arrived.
Picture God standing before you, your armor gleaming, saying, "It's time to go forth!" Can you feel the thrill, the adrenaline rush, and the overwhelming joy? Everything you've ever experienced pales in comparison to this moment. Your entire life is about to change. The excitement of stepping into your divine purpose fills your heart, making every breath feel like a gift.
If this were to happen, would you live any differently today? If so, how would this knowledge change your daily life?
Would you be more dedicated, loving, and forgiving? Would you put away petty grievances, cease destructive habits, and finally make the changes you promised yourself? Considering that the event you've spent your entire Christian life preparing for has arrived, would the pure bliss of seeing this occur alter every aspect of your life?
You know it would. How could it not? Recognizing this, I challenge you to take stock of the cheerful certainty you responded with. And in case you're worried that I will be using your confidence against you shortly – you are correct. Well, at least I warned you.
Personal Anecdote: The Hernia Surgery
Recently, I underwent hernia surgery. As the medical team prepped me for the operation, I observed their meticulous attention to detail. Their focus wasn't on some distant outcome but on my immediate well-being. Every action they took aimed to ensure the best possible outcome for the surgery that day.
Amid this preparation, I realized something profound. The extraordinary moment I've been preparing for is not some far-off event. It is every moment that God gives me breath and life. The medical team's dedication reminded me that our daily actions directly impact the present moment.
As I lay there, waiting for the surgery to begin, I began to see the medical team not just as professionals but as individuals with their own stories of pain and hope. I asked them about their lives and heard tales of struggles and triumphs. While focused on their task, each person was also navigating their own life's battles.
It struck me that my battlefield is here and now. The extraordinary moment isn't in the distant future but in the present. God opens our eyes daily and gives us breath to engage with His creation. We are called to put on our spiritual armor and fight the good fight today.
Challenging the Notion of Preparation
Reflecting on this experience, I started thinking—why do we fall into the trap of believing that life is a series of preparations for a future moment when we will finally fulfill our purpose? This belief can keep us perpetually in preparation mode, always waiting for the right time to act. But what if this is a fallacy?
Imagine a soldier who spends all his time polishing his armor, believing he must be perfectly prepared for a battle that never comes. Is he any different from someone whose armor rusts from neglect? In both cases, the armor serves no purpose because it is never used.
As Christians, we often act like this soldier. We polish our spiritual armor, preparing for a future moment of action while missing the opportunities God places before us each day. The truth is, God calls us to act in the here and now, not just to prepare for the future.
Living in the Present Moment
If we were to more clearly understand that God is at work in the present, might it also change how we think? It would mean acknowledging the essentiality of today—that each interaction, decision, and moment is an opportunity for God to work through us.
The Bible reminds us in James 2:17 that faith without action is dead. Our faith should manifest in our daily lives, in the actions we take, and in the love we show. Ephesians 5:15-16 urges us to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity because the days are fleeting. Ecclesiastes 11:4 warns against waiting for perfect conditions, reminding us that action must be taken despite uncertainties.
By living with an awareness of God's presence in the now, we become His eyes, hands, and feet. We can alleviate the suffering of those around us, spread His love and Good News, and make a tangible difference in the world and heaven. It's about living "in" the moment, not "for" the moment.
Putting Into Practice (PIP)
The extraordinary moment we've been preparing for is happening right now. God calls us to live each day with purpose and awareness, recognizing that He glorifies Himself in our present actions.
Do you feel different knowing God is calling you right now instead of preparing you for a future event? Considering your earlier imagined personal encounter with God and the blissful certainty of your response, how will you approach each day, the genuine extraordinary event, differently?
Here are a few intentional steps in BEing an operative Christian warrior:
- Be Present: Focus on the here and now. Engage fully with those around you and the tasks/busyness at hand.
- Be Alert: Look for opportunities to serve and uplift others. Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact.
- Be Active: Don't wait for perfect conditions. Step out in faith and let your actions reflect your beliefs.
- Be Trusting: Rely on, trust in, and cling to God. Believe He is at work in your life today. Lean on His timing and purpose.
Let's embrace the present moment and live with the understanding that God is using us right now to fulfill His extraordinary plans.
The Operative
