What If This Were Your Final Moment

What if you were hit with a sudden tsunami right now, without warning? You're lazing on a beautiful beach, when suddenly this humungous skyscraper of water is leaning over you! You have nowhere to go. In fact, you don't even have time to collect your thoughts and get up! What do you do? How do you react in that split second? In situations such as this people have seen their whole life flash before their eyes. As I'm writing this, the Lord is reminding me of that very same thing I experienced so very long ago! On a trip to Colombia with my family, we were walking on a narrow foot bridge the width of a man, hung over a very steep ravine. You had to hold onto the thick horizontal cords which supported the swaying passage. In split-second three-year-old, I-can-do-it-myself exuberance, I had let go of my father's firm grip and slid through the flimsy rigging.

At this moment I'm surprised my memory is being brought back so vividly! The deep abyss was strewn with huge rocks. My three-year history flashed before my eyes at whirling speed. No; I do not remember those scenes, but wish I did! I had landed between boulders on a patch of soft, horizontal patch of spongy moss. Praise God for the craggy obstructions that kept me from tumbling a long way down! All I remember was being surprised at how miraculously my father was right scooping me safely into his arms.

Whether a tsunami, stroke, or miss-step off a fragile hang bridge hits you by surprise, will you safely land in your Father's secure lap? Will you be calling on the Name of Jesus? Do you know the Power that is in that Name? The Bible states that all who call on the Name of Jesus shall be saved. (Acts 2:21) "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts. 4: 12) Do you know where you're going after you die? Are you absolutely sure that you will be going to heaven? You can be, you know! But don't wait for something drastic to happen first! Today is the day of your salvation.

(2 Cor. 6: 2) God loves you so much that He sent His only-begotten Son to die for you. Everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Mankind has inherited Adam's sinful nature. Jesus came down to restore your spiritual connection to God through His death on the cross.

Just as Adam chose to disobey God, you have a free choice to receive His free gift of restoration. God will never force any action on your part. God's Love is total and unconditional. Whether you are the worst sinner in the world, don't think you're worthy of God's love, or that somehow you have to earn it, know this: God Loves You! Reach out to Him; He is waiting for you. "The Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. (Isa.

59: 1) "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isa. 1: 18) Why would God want to do that, you may ask? Because on the cross, Jesus was wounded for your failings, bruised for your sins, and punished for your peace! (Isa. 53: 5) Take Him up on His offer of unconditional love. It is free and available to everyone. Be assured that when calamity suddenly comes rushing at you, you will know that the eternal God is your refuge, and that "underneath are the everlasting arms.

" (Deut. 33: 27).

Ann Stewart is the author of "With Wings As Eagles" For encouragement, faith and inspiration in the storms of life, subscribe to her weekly newsletter: http://www.lifealteringwords.com