Rising to the Occasion

We have all heard stories where a crisis or some other urgency developed, and some person stepped up seemingly out of nowhere to resolve the situation and save the day. In such cases, we say the person “rose to the occasion.”

Well, dear friends, 2024 is shaping up here in America to be a year of urgencies, some of which will qualify as crises.

Consequently, there is a great need for our churches, our pastors and all of us who are the children of God to “rise to the occasion.” America needs us, and I’m confident the Lord is counting on us to represent Him well.

It is more than obvious that there are elements of the population who hate the Lord, and consequently, they hate all of us who are aligned with Him. Nonetheless, we need to do what we are supposed to do. Without doubt, without fear and without the slightest hesitation, let’s meet the demands of our time head-on.

1. No Intimidation! We must not be silenced by the threats of a godless society. Whatever they say in attacking us, we must not be intimidated.

2. No Fear! The bullies of the world will do all they can to scare you into subjection. We must never give in to their fearmongering.

3. No Reserve! When we hold back on our God-given duty, the enemy rushes in like a flood. Today is the day to do the Lord’s bidding.

So, in view of the needs of our world today, let’s remember our heavenly mandates:

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”—Matt. 4:19.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”—Matt. 28:19, 20.

“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.”—John 4:35.

Therefore, “rising to the occasion” should mean that we put a high priority on the Lord’s business. The pulpit, soul winning, church attendance, bus routes, literature distribution, media outreach, tithing and your Christian home should get your full attention.

If you and I fail to “rise to the occasion,” our nation cannot survive, and multitudes of our people will march through life and straight into Hell.

Let’s give it our best—starting now! Amen!