Weekly Devo: Are you ready?

Jeremiah 46:14b
“Stand forth and get yourself ready.”

There are hundreds of 9/11 Heroic Stories on the Internet and every one of them is inspiring. God confirms that we will have trials in this life but He will walk with us through those trials. In Isaiah 43:2-7 God tells us “when you pass through the waters, and when you walk through the fire.” By using the word when, God is explaining that the trials will come but, prepare, get ready and I will go through them with you.

There are so many great heroic stories to share but today I am choosing just two.

Rick Rescorla was a retired and decorated colonel in our armed services. In 1997 he became the Director of security at Morgan Stanley’s firm in NYC. As Director, he was responsible for the 22 floors of employees in the south tower World Trade Center. In spite of the disruption to the workday and the dislike of many officials, Rick conducted twice-yearly evacuation drills by the stairwell. When the first tower was attacked he set the evacuation into action and 2,500 employees got out of the tower safely. Rick and 12 others who were at the end of the evacuation were the only ones left behind and lost their life. Rick made sure he and the people in his company would be ready in case of an emergency.

Todd Beamer was a Christian man who spent his life living as a godly husband and godly father for his children. Everyday when he called his sons to come and get ready for any activity he would shout out “Let’s Roll.” On 9/11, Todd sent a message to his family via an emergency operator that he loved them and would give it all he had to help save others on Flight 93. As he dropped the phone, this time he shouted to his new passenger friends as they fought back against the enemy, “Let’s Roll.” Todd had spent his lifetime preparing himself and his family to be ready for heaven and to meet their Lord and Savior no matter what the cost.

In every story that we read or watch on TV, every one of the heroes during 9/11 only had other people on their mind. If they were able to call anyone they only called or left messages for the ones they loved. They knew who and what really mattered. They will never be forgotten and we can learn so much from their legacy.

Are we ready? Rick knew he needed to have the people ready for any crisis, when it did occur. Todd knew that one day he and his family would meet their creator God in heaven and they too, needed to be ready and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Now is the time to make a decision for Jesus Christ.
Now is the time to share your decision with your family members so that they are prepared to meet Jesus Christ as well.

Daily Application:
This week we will reflect in prayer everyday on the heroes of 9/11 and give thanks for all of their lives and their sacrifices.
Day 1: For the innocent victims families
Day 2: For the families of all the people who died during the rescue operation
Day 3: For the people who are still suffering from their rescue trauma/injuries
Day 4: For the survivors of the attack that are still suffering from that day
Day 5: For all the young servicemen and women and their families who signed up for military service since the attack on 9/11
Day 6: For America to return to its Christian roots
Day 7: For your own walk of faith to be intentional, strong and bold
If you have questions about suffering, heaven or God’s plan for life I highly recommend two books by Randy Alcorn: Heaven and If God Is Good.