Ready or Not?

“Ready or not, here I come.”  That was what we yelled before we began looking for those hiding in the game of hide-and-seek.  There was usually a mad dash of those who couldn’t decide on a good hiding spot.

God’s promise in James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you,” doesn’t imply God isn’t willing to give us grace.  No, God is all-willing to give but are we ready to receive His grace?  James used some pro-active verbs describing Believers who truly desire God’s grace in their lives: submit to God (v.7), draw near to God (v.8), cleanse your hands (v.8), purify your hearts (v.8), mourn and weep (v.9), humble yourselves (v.10).  Unfortunately, many Christians have the “little dab’ll do” attitude toward God’s free and abundant grace so they live with no power and no peace!  It’s so important, however, we understand a Christ-centered life is one of progression: submitting, drawing near to Him, seeking to know Him and love Him more.  That nearness to The Father makes us uncomfortable with present sin, and to desire the cleansing of hands and purifying of hearts.  We will mourn and weep over our sin and be humbled in the sight of Almighty God. God is always ready; are you … ready or not?

Dear Lord,

I claim Your power to cause me to submit, to draw near, to be cleansed and purified, to weep, and to humble myself to You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.