“And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.”
–1 John 3:3 (NLT)
Can you remember the best vacation you’ve ever experienced? Recalling that trip should be an easy task for you. But as wonderful and fun as that vacation was, I’ll bet preparing for the trip was pretty exciting too.
Two of my favorite vacation spots are Disneyland in California, and Walt Disney World in Florida. I’ve been lucky and blessed enough to go to both parks multiple times, and the company was just as great as the theme parks’ many delights.
One spring morning when I was in college, I came back to my dorm after a long and rather boring science class. I had nothing but homework and midterm preparations to look forward to, so I was in a cranky mood.
Then I started checking my emails, and I found a message that made my whole day, week and month. My mom had sent me an e-card that played the song “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast. The card read, “Stephanie, would you like to join me for spring break at Disney’s California Adventure?”
Oh yes, I definitely would! So I gave my mom a call, and we started planning the trip in earnest.
DCA had only been operating for about a year, so it was a pretty new park. That meant that most of the attractions and experiences would be totally new to us. Of course, that made our preparations really exciting.
First we decided which rides we would be checking out. We read up on the restaurants and shops in the park, and we got a little more excited each day. Even though reviews of the park were somewhat mixed, we could already tell this would be a really fun trip.
The big day finally arrived, and we were ready to see the trip we’d planned out become a magical reality. Before I knew it we had climbed off the bus, and we were standing in the esplanade where people enter the gates for either Disneyland or California Adventure. My mom and I were walking along towards the gates when I suddenly stopped dead in my tracks. I listened to the Disney music playing, and the Disneyland Railroad train bell was ringing as the train arrived at the station. My mind was racing with excitement. All I could think was, “I’m not dreaming! We’re actually here at a Disney park!”
Our adventure in California was even better than I had imagined, but it did come to an end, and we resumed our lives at work and school once again. But just as I prepared for that trip, all of us who follow Christ get to make some exciting preparations of our own. There is one big difference, however. We are preparing with an eternal destination in mind.
One day, Jesus will return to Earth and take all those who believe in Him away from this world to live with Him. Life with God will be better than the best vacation you can imagine. While we’re waiting for our big day to arrive, now is the time to start preparing ourselves by watching for Christ’s return.
In order to do this, you must first reach out to God by taking the most important step of all, and asking Him to come into your heart and forgive your sins.
As you learn more and more about God, your life will continue to change for the better. Even in difficult times, He will show you how to follow His teachings. Of course you’ll totally blow it sometimes, but God will always be there to forgive your mistakes.
Once God has forgiven your sins and taken control of your life, your next step is to talk with Him. God has promised that He will come closer to you as you draw nearer to Him, so start talking to your heavenly Father as you would speak to a very close friend.
Tell God about all of your cares and worries. He cares very much about you, so you can turn to Him in prayer anytime, and He will hear and answer your prayers. I have learned that no matter how depressed or worried I am feeling, God will fill my heart with peace when I pray, and this always comforts me, just as I know it will comfort you.
Then, I recommend that you start reading God’s words in the Bible. Some of you may think this sounds pretty boring, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you have started a Bible reading plan or gotten into a reading routine, you’ll begin learning all about God’s love for you, and what He sacrificed to open the way to a relationship with you.
Let that love take a hold of you, and shape your life. Soon God will give you the desire to read more and more about Him, and before you know it, you’ll be carrying Bible verses with you as you negotiate your daily tasks.
If you perform these 3 steps, I wish you an exciting time as you walk with God. I guarantee you’ll learn to celebrate the risen Christ every day. The Easter season is a wonderful time to get started on your journey.
So just as I prepared for Disney’s California Adventure, God invites you to prepare for His coming. In turn, He will purify your heart and make you ready to join Him on your greatest adventure ever!
Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 101 S Kraemer BLVD, Suite 123A, Placentia, CA 92870. Finally, you’re always welcome to join our Monday night Bible study or Tuesday night prayer meeting. Both are conducted by conference call, and they take place at 5:30 PM Arizona time. Our conference number is 712-775-7031, and our ID is 607518748. We hope to talk with you soon!
If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 507-369-6861.