Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Sense of Urgency

Somebody asked me the other day what it was like to wake-up every morning thinking someone wanted to blow me up. I generally avoid topics like this, but today I'm going to manipulate the emotion involved with my current situation to make a point.

Don't get me wrong, being in Iraq most of the time is no different from living in downtown Chicago. You know the places to not go and what type of people to avoid, and the rest is "up to God."

I've only had one real experience where I thought I was just about to get blown up. It was really odd feeling, really. I knew that I needed to take ownership of the situation, because it was either me, or four of my guys if this was to go bad. I got a funky feeling in my whole body and froze for about 5 seconds, and when I unfroze, I sized up the situation, walked over and just did what was supposed to be done. Nothing physical ended up coming out of it. But it made me think.

It's really neat to be in a position where you physically know that God could take your life. Whoever you are, wherever you are, you could die at any moment. It's nice to be in a spot where I am reminded of how short our time on earth is, and how important it is to seize the day and make the most of it.

Have you thought about that lately? You could die today, right now. What should you be doing? What are the most valuable things in the world to you? What can you change about yourself right now in case Jesus comes back tomorrow? Living with eternity in mind is an awesome way to live! God is the God of yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever. But we are the people only guaranteed today and eternity. What are you going to do with today!?

Fear is a powerful motivator, and I don't want you to get this idea confused with "be scared and do right." And I don't want you to feel bad for Bobby. But please, for the love of God, utilize your fear to bring about a sense of urgency and change!

3 comments:

Unknown said...

exactly. very well put. we're going to be fearful anyway and might as well use it toward change rather than allowing it to propel us further into unhealth. and, sure, you're as safe in Chicago as there but can anyone really be safe in Seattle?? not likely. :-D

JMH85 said...

You are so right we could walk out our door tomorrow and it could all be over. And our fear should not prevent us from stepping out that door, but propel us into action. Making sure that we are fully prepared for where we go next. Yet, we do not have to be afraid of where we go because we have the assurance of eternity through Jesus. This is the thought that saddens me... how many people do we walk by everyday who do not have the same assurance we do? Are we constantly missing opportunities to share Jesus with others because we refuse to act because of our own fear, disobedience or whatever excuse we can find? This thought alone should spring us into action. Let's not walk out another door without a willingness of mind, heart and spirit to share the hope and security that is found in each of us who believe. In Prayer.

Jenna

abb said...

What a good illustration... especially the title. I'm glad you wrote about this. :)