Matthew 24:36 NIV - “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
Although sweat spotted my forehead, I was equally nervous and confident. I made it through nine of the 10 rounds in the city-wide spelling bee and was up against 3 other spellers, vying for a spot in the final round to become the city’s 8th grade spelling bee champion. I stepped to the mic as the judges and the audience seemed to stare right through me. I tried to look for a familiar face in the audience, but couldn’t find one.
Before I let myself get too nervous, I reminded myself that I spent the last few months preparing for that moment. I studied faithfully and worked hard with the team’s coach to ensure that I was prepared and well equipped for the challenge. Although I didn’t know which words I would have to spell each turn, I knew I could study and be prepared for any of the words that may be presented to me. The judge called out the word and, per my request, used it in a sentence. I began to spell the word and there was no turning back. A.N.T.E.D.I.L.U.V.I.A.N.
That second seemed liked several minutes before the judge confirmed that “antediluvian” was spelled correctly and I had advanced to the final round! Talk about excited. My heart raced and I was completely overjoyed. As I smiled and internally celebrated walking back to my seat, I spotted my team’s coach in the audience. He waved and cheered so proudly. Although I couldn’t see him before, he was right there with me all nine rounds. In that moment, every hour of study, every sacrifice, every after-school group session, every hour of TV given up… it was all worth it. My hard work paid off and I was thrilled!
That experience really shaped my life and my Christian journey with God. As Christians, we are preparing for Christ’s return and our new home in Heaven. Pastor Wilson reminded us that Christ will return and that no man knows the day or the hour. Although that may seem a little frightening to some, Pastor reassured us that although we may not know the time, we can know for sure that we are READY… and if we STAY READY, we won’t have to GET READY. The bible is a great foundation for us to use as we prepare for Christ’s return. We may face some challenges or sacrifice some things that seem too hard. But if we just hang on and stay ready, we will soon see that it was all worth it.
Now, I wish I could say that I went on to win 1st place in that city-wide spelling bee. I didn’t. I came in 2nd place. It was heartbreaking at first, but I was extremely proud of how far I got in the competition. But, in saying that, I have some great news. Thankfully, in our preparation for Christ’s return, there will be no 1st or 2nd place. The championship round, or heaven, is set for us all to take part. As we live out our lives and prepare for the afterlife, let us all join together in accountability, prayer, and unity as we GET READY to STAY READY!
Heavenly Father, I want to be ready for the day that I stand face to face with you, my Creator. I thank you for loving me and for preparing for something greater than I know. Help me as I navigate through this life on earth and prepare to meet you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. .
By: Min. April Carter
