Heaven Ward

05/06/24 – 05/13/24

Redeem the Time

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  05/06/24

Read Romans 13:11-14.

What does it look like to live in light of eternity? In the last few chapters of Romans, the apostle Paul gives us practical ways to follow God’s will in different areas of our lives—and it all starts with waking from our slumber.

One of the biggest struggles in the church today is spiritual drowsiness, even laziness. God’s Word tells us that when we are more concerned about worldly pleasures—reputation, career, wealth—than about what concerns Christ, when our love for Christ grows cold, when we succumb to self-indulgence, when we pay lip-service to God but presume upon His grace, we are spiritually asleep.

Is there something God has called you to do that you have delayed because you are waiting for a more opportune time? Christian, you belong to the day. It’s time to awake from your spiritual sleep. Christ is coming!

Paul urges us to redeem the time God has given us by using our God-given opportunities, talents, and spiritual gifts to glorify Christ—for “[t]he night is nearly over; the day is almost here” (Romans 13:12). God may open doors of opportunity specifically for you. He may put a certain person in your life with whom He wants you to share the Gospel. He may give you a unique platform to firmly stand on His Word. May each of us be alert and prepared for the day when the clouds roll back like a scroll and the trumpets signal our Lord’s return!

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times when I fall asleep spiritually and forget the urgency of the age, for “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Use me, Lord, to share this Truth with those You put in my path. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11).