Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

A story from the UK tells of an elderly man nearing death. He and his caregiver are alone in a barren area as a storm rages, with seemingly no one to call for help. Instead of the caregiver comforting him, the old man consoles her by saying he had thatched his roof before ever reaching this point in life.

In other words, he had prepared his roof for the storm, and his soul for death. “Go to the ant, consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest” (Proverbs 6:6-8). The ants prepare when there is time and opportunity.

They don’t wait until trouble comes and then panic. “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).

All of us realize we cannot live forever. Our bodies age, weaken and ultimately die. We may overcome many obstacles during our lives, including several health scares, but there will be a time when life comes to an end. The scriptures encourage us to consider the ants and their vigilance in preparing for the coming winter. Are you giving any thought to what is ahead for your soul? The Apostle Peter warned us with these words, “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away” (I Peter 1:24). Your body is withering and your time is passing quickly. Do you really want to die as you are currently living? Is this how you intended to face the Lord at your final breath? Listen to the Lord’s warning to Israel. “Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12).

Please prepare yourself to face your God!