I packed my bags in early January even though I did not have a visa yet and had no indication of when it might come. I wanted to be ready when the visa came so that I could leave right away, so I also made a list of things I should do as soon as I got the visa. After several weeks of waiting and no visa, I received an email asking if I wanted to take another language course. After thinking, praying, and discussing with my leaders, we decided I would start the class, and if the visa came, I would drop the class and go to SE Asia. I worked out a schedule for myself with ways I could use this in-between time to prepare for the field along with the language course.
Then on the second day of class, my visa came! I was shocked – I had started to believe it really would be months more of waiting. But there it was, unannounced and unexpected. I added to my suitcases the few things I hadn’t already packed, said my goodbyes, and flew out 5 days later.
Today, my second day in SE Asia, I read this:
“Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.”
Revelation 16:15 (emphasis added)
Praise Jesus for such a relatable analogy! He says that he will return unexpectedly, so let me wait expectantly, living in a way that recognizes that he could come back any moment. I don’t want to be like those who “walk around naked and ashamed” because they didn’t have their clothes packed and ready to go. Rather, I want to be like God’s blessed people who find hope in Christ’s imminent return and pray for it earnestly. I want to remember that this world is not my home and desire Christ more and more. One day soon he will finally and completely establish his kingdom, my home, on this earth. With that in mind, I want to make the most of my brief time here by welcoming more citizens into the kingdom as I get to know and love the King more.