It’s 5:30 AM the alarm goes off, as usual, time to rise and shine. It’s forecasted to be another beautiful day here in San Diego. I love the early morning; this is by far my favorite time of day. It is quiet, yet filled with expectancy. It is as though the world around me is just beginning to come alive and the atmosphere is filled with a sense of calmness.
Only today is not like most mornings. My heart is heavy, as though carrying a burden I do not wish to carry. There is no escape…the uneasiness is real. My heart is broken.
Last night, I received a call from someone close to me. When I answered the phone and heard the tone of the voice on the other end of the line, I knew something was wrong. The caller proceeded to tell me he had just received news that a good friend had committed suicide earlier that morning! I listened, we cried, I prayed.
Feelings of helplessness, sadness and anger still fill my heart as I begin my day. I question why? As I pray.
I am well aware there is an enemy which prowls around as a lion, seeking to see whom he may devour! (1 Peter 5:8) Looking at the world today, I see too many victories in his camp.
As Christians, we have a strong defense against his schemes. I find myself wondering…are we living examples of the power of God at work within us? (Ephesians 3:20)
We may never know what exactly caused this young man to take his life, but we can grow from this tragedy. We can make the decision to live life passionately for God’s glory… everyday!
It’s time to cast “image” to the side of the road and be authentic with one another. It’s time to break down the facades that hold us captive and in isolation. After all, does it really matter what type of house we live in, car we drive, clothes we wear, or job title we hold? None of these things can be taken with us into eternity. (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Keeping materialistic things in perspective, in a world, which idolizes these things, is difficult, but necessary! Lasting happiness and peace will never be found in ‘places or things’.
The Alarm is Sounding…It’s time to get serious about God’s mandate to love one another. Time to ask the tough questions.
How deeply involved are we in the lives of those around us? Are we encouraging one another to fulfill our God-given potential and uncover our divine purpose? Are we reaching out and bringing hope to the hopeless?
Let’s get real with one another. Let’s choose to align our thinking with God’s kingdom principles. If it’s important to God it should be important to us.
Nowhere, in scripture, does it say we should be chasing after money, fame or fortune. Nor are we to place our self-worth in any of these things. Inherently, these things are not evil, however, there is often a fine line between enjoying these things and idolizing them.
We are instructed to love God, love others, treat our spouses with dignity and respect, honor our parents, care for the poor, the orphans, and the widows. It’s all about carrying out God’s will upon the earth. Jesus set the example for us. He was always about the Father’s business. (John 8:28)
The Alarm is Sounding…It’s time to put our faith to work and watch the power of God be released among us! Faith without action is dead. (James 2:17)
I am hungry for more of God in my life and for a move of God in Our country. Our world needs more of God’s power, not man’s agendas.
No longer can we hide behind man-made excuses and justifications for our procrastination. Today is the day God is calling for us to be obedient to him. There is much at stake, both personally and globally.
Life is precious, let’s not stand by and allow the enemy to devour us one at a time. Greater Is He that is in us then he that is in the world. (1John 4:4)
Decide today to live out your faith:
- Make the call you have been putting off
- Tell someone you love them
- Go visit your family & friends
- Reconsider the extra work assignment in order to be home with your family
- Take time to rest and care for yourself
- Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt you
- Be the first to say you are sorry
- Get involved in community service
- Enjoy a sunrise/sunset
- Put your problems in proper perspective
- Offer a smile to a stranger
If we want the power of God to work in us, and through us, to impact the world around us, we must awake to the sounding alarm; keep our hearts fixed upon God and listen for His directions for our day.
No more compromise! If you are reading this, I already know you are a person of action. You may not always know in what direction to move, and sometimes may feel stuck, nonetheless, you are a person who purposes to get up and get moving when the alarm sounds!
Trust God to lead, guide and direct your steps. Yield yourself to Him, become sensitive to his voice so He can manifest His glory through you. (Take a look at my recent article https://www.lucyanncq.com/god-is-it-really-you/ I talk about hearing the voice of God).
We can change the atmosphere of our hearts, homes, communities and the world if we desire to live life passionately, and with purpose, for God’s glory.
May the reality of this recent tragedy push us to examine our lives and our priorities! Listen…the Alarm Is Sounding!
-Lucy Ann
Challenge Question:
Will you awake to the alarm? Will you allow the power of God within you to impact the world around YOU?
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dee leitch says
So sorry for your loss. No one is ever prepared for news like this. You are so blessed to have the wonderful gift of belief and faith in our Lord to see you through times like these. You may grieve, but your faith will keep you strong. Thank you for sharing this message. Your words struck a chord in my heart. My alarm has sounded!
Lucy Ann says
Dee,
Yes, it is a blessing to be anchored in my faith, especially when trials come my way. My prayer is for others to find the same security in faith in Jesus as well. The alarm is certainly sounding, glad to hear you are hearing the call 🙂
Blessings!
Jessy says
Unfortunately it often takes a drastic event to get back to true values and reflect what really matters to us,what is really important. Not always easy to juggle outside pressures from our environment (social circles, work. ..) and the need to get in touch with our inner self and feel the harmony and serenity we seek.
Sometimes when I get overwhelmed with these outside pressures, I think of events such as the one you described and it put things in perspective. I thank God for all the difficulties he throws at me because it’s his way to tell me “don’t forget what really matters ” and He is there watching over me.
Lucy Ann says
Jessy,
God is surely watching over you! Happy to hear you are focusing on what really matters! When we get off track, God lovingly nudges us back on track. I am so grateful we serve a faithful God.
Blessings!