NOW is right now, immediately, at this present moment. Oh, how we are a NOW generation! We don't like to wait for anything and we don't want to wait. We like things NOW, right when we want them, and we want it our way - NOW.
Beloved, aren't you glad that is how God's love is for each of us. There is No waiting for it. It is real, it is present and it is for you today right NOW. Today is the day of salvation, right NOW. You don't have to wait! For God so loved the world that He gave ... NOW (See John 3:16). Whoever believes NOW this day can have that blessed assurance, the hope of being with Him forever. NOW that's the 'NOW' I really like hearing about and being a partaker of.
With this GREAT Love He offers us NOW, there are opportunities that He gives us to spread that love. He doesn't need to wait around; He will use you NOW. That's right, with all your weaknesses, imperfections and idiosyncrasies! He looks beyond that, and sees you NOW, created in His likeness and His image. Although we are still "under construction," He really has an eye's view to see us completed. NOW that is great news to me, and I hope it is for you. His plans and opportunities for you are absolutely endless, and you can choose to be a partaker today, right NOW.
I am always fascinated by His divine appointments (opportunities) in the least likely places when we are looking for them. Most recently while at a luncheon with some former classmates, the 'NOW' opportunity presented itself again (I am always looking for those times). Our wonderful waitress shared a 'NOW' concern she had with a loved one who had taken ill and gone to the hospital while she was in the middle of serving us. So NOW was the time to share a quick prayer with her and to let her know she did not need to feel all alone with the situation she was dealing with. Why wait? The opportunity was there, and I needed to act NOW. So I did. The Lord answered quickly. By the end of the luncheon. she had received good news and let us know she was so grateful that we all took the time to be concerned. She was glad that we were there at that 'NOW' time to share with her.
I encourage you today to expect the 'NOW' times of God and to allow Him to guide your steps today. One of the favorite scriptures of many is Ephesians 3:20 (Amplified): "NOW to Him who, by (in consequence of) the (action of His) power that is at work within us is able to accomplish (carry out His purpose and do) super-abundantly, far over and above all that we (dare) ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams) ..."
Beloved, be above and beyond for Him today. and don't miss any Love opportunity - NOW.
- Whaley is a member of Citychurch, Williamsport, and the regional director of Yokefellow Prison Ministries of North Central Pennsylvania
