At this moment in history, there is a shout going up in the spirit. A shout that rings out from the Word of God and from the voices of His prophets. A shout that is shaping the life of every wise believer on the face of the earth.

“BEHOLD, THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH!”

The signs of Jesus’ return are all around us. Never before has there been such a time. Never before has it been so crucial that you and I be ready.

Some would say, “Oh, Gloria, you can’t be sure of that. After all, the Bible says nobody knows when Jesus is coming. His return will overtake us like a thief in the night.”

If that’s what you’ve been thinking, you’d better go back to the Word and read that scripture again. First Thessalonians 5 goes on to say that we who are not in darkness won’t be caught by surprise. It says we are to keep wide awake, alert, watchful, cautious and on our guard.

If you’re a believer who is ready, Jesus’ return will not take you by surprise. You’re a child of the light and you’ll know. You may not know the day or the hour, but you will know the season.

In fact, I just suspect that those who are ready will be walking so fully in the spirit on the day the Lord comes back, that in their prayer time, they’ll sense something great is about to happen. A spiritual excitement will sound in their hearts. Suddenly they’ll get goose bumps. Their hair might just stand straight up. Their spirit man will be so hooked up to God, that they’ll just know something is happening.

There is no question about it. You and I have to be ready. Just like the military forces of our nation stay in combat readiness, we also must be in combat readiness all the time. We must be ready all the time, not only because Jesus is coming back, but also because there’s an enemy out there. His name is Satan and his mission is to kill us, steal from us and destroy us. If we let him catch us off guard, he can make a serious mark on our life. But if we’re ready and we resist him, he will flee from us.

If we’re ready, we’ll be prepared and equipped to act immediately. Webster’s Dictionary says ready means “waiting to be used, unhesitant, willing, convenient, handy to use.”

I like that last phrase. We ought to be handy for God to use at any time. He wants us willing! He wants us ready!

Speak the Word

The day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly and suddenly as a thief in the night. I am determined to be ready for Him. (1 Thessalonians 5:2)