As Soon As . . .
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Mark 1:14-15
14. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15. and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel."
I’ve mentioned before how I completely understand Scarlett O’Hara from
Gone With The Wind and her, “I’ll worry about that tomorrow” now famous quote. My version is “as soon as . . .” It’s so easy to slip into that mindset about any and everything! Even those activities I enjoy, I can put off if I’m just too tired, too busy, too distracted . . . or for no conscious reason at all!
It really only impacts my family when I decide that as soon as . . . I’ll finish the laundry or get my craft stuff out of the family room, or whatever. When it comes to God’s kingdom, though, I impact not only my own soul, but also His world. He made us with the intention that we minister to his world. If we don’t do that, we’re denying Him, the world and ourselves.
John the Baptist has just been arrested. Jesus comes into town proclaiming He’s the one John had been telling everyone about! Talk about doing God’s will. Talk about not waiting until . . . or as soon as . . . When it was time, He was ready. There was intention behind that timeliness. There was purpose in the decision to proceed. He was on a mission, and He knew that God would be with Him, no matter how difficult it was to accomplish. He probably didn’t feel “ready” when He came out of that desert, having fasted 40 days. He probably felt like he’d like a hot bath, a hot meal, and a long, cool drink of water; followed by about 2 solid days of sleep.
Satan worked hard to turn Jesus away from His mission, His purpose. Jesus was afforded every opportunity, given every excuse to give up. He was, after all, human and possessed the same free will each of us has been given. He didn’t make any excuses. He didn’t accept any of the “outs” Satan offered Him. He kept his mind and heart on God and resisted and obeyed. He resisted the easy way out and obeyed God’s will for his life.
Satan works on us too! He doesn’t want us to be motivated or self-disciplined. He tells us, “It’s okay, you can do that later. You can do it as soon as . . .” Jesus gave us the anecdote for that, though. Only when we keep our minds and hearts focused on God will we have the strength and fortitude and will to get going! Just do it! Seize the day!
Today I’m going to start by getting all the laundry done. And then, tomorrow . . . who knows!
My prayer is that you spend time in devotion and prayer, offering up all your excuses to your Lord and Savior. And that you just do one thing you’ve been meaning to do as soon as . . .
Mary
