Dress Rehearsal
Merilee Ottoson
I had the
opportunity to participate in several on stage dramas and plays throughout high
school and college. Usually the day before the FIRST performance was dress rehearsal. It was important to
remember every line of every scene and every song. The hours, days and weeks of
practice were crucial. We worked hard so that we would be ready for
this. Tomorrow would be the real thing!
I have come to believe during the last few
months, that the place we have come to, as a nation, is NO LONGER a dress
rehearsal. Rather, this IS the REAL THING. No matter how the world views God,
His plan or Biblical prophecy, the path we are now on is moving us quickly toward
what we refer to as the “end times”. Our opinions and ideas about how all of
this will “turn out” are just that…opinions and ideas. God’s plan will unfold in His
time. Our goal is to live out all the things we have talked about and
studied as followers of Jesus. Here are some thoughts to help us be victorious.
1) Do
not let fear overcome you.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right
hand”.(Isaiah 41:10)
2) Pray!
If prayer has been an afterthought for
you … only useful once in a while….change your mindset!! Our outpouring of
requests for guidance and strength is unbelievably important. It is our
lifeline. He IS listening and able.
3) Lighten
your load. In other words, be
done with lesser things. As much as possible, put aside the things that are
time wasters…place value and spend time on relationships and activities that
bear fruit.
4) What’s
in your mouth? Our testimony and witness for Christ is as important as
it has ever been! “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be
acceptable in your sight, oh Lord...” (Psalms 19:14)
Dress rehearsal no more………
