The words “last chance” rings in our ears as we hear about a daughter or son’s last chance with a father or mother and what he or she said to that child before passing on.
Your last chance is being the final pick as a baseball, basketball or football player.
Your last chance is to enroll at a college of your choice.
Your last chance is to perform in an audition before you launch your musical career.
Your last chance is to marry the man or woman of your dreams as you head off to serve in the military.
Your last chance is to reconcile with a family member or a friend while that person is alive.
Your last chance is bidding on an important item that you have dreamed of for years.
Your last chance is to answer God’s call you for you to become a minister, evangelist, teacher or other.
Your last chance is to call upon God now for healing of your physical, emotional and spiritual life issues.
Whatever your need is, God is right where you are. Call on him. He hears everyone’s cries anytime and anywhere (Ps.34:4). He heals according to His will (Ps.103:3) and gives the gifts of salvation and eternal life to anyone who confesses and repents of his/her sin, believes, trusts, and accepts Jesus Christ, God’s Son, as Lord and Savior of his/her life (John 3:16).
In Chapter 10 of St. Mark’s Gospel, beginning with verse 46, we read of Blind Bartimaeus, who was at the roadside begging, as Jesus, the disciples, and a great multitude were on their way to Jericho. Picture yourself not being able to see Jesus but knowing somewhere in the midst of the crowd that Jesus was there. Bartimaeus cried out and got Jesus’ attention. He was not concerned about what the people thought of him-a blind, dirty beggar at the side of the street or their constant responses beckoning him : “be quiet.” This was his last chance to be in the physical presence of Jesus who was on route to the Passover with his apostles and to face his eventual death. This chance, Bartimaeus thought, will change his destiny and his life forever. He could not afford to postpone it. Bartimaeus cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus heard his cries, called and asked him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man explained that he wanted to regain his sight. By faith, Jesus healed his eyes.
What do you want Jesus to do for you? Tell Him what you want. God may want to change some aspect of your life. Submit to His will. He may be calling you to the work of the ministry. If this is the case, you should not procrastinate. You must move swiftly and urgently. God will provide for your needs. Like Bartimaeus, you should not head the negative responses of others who may discourage you from your calling but, instead, focus your attention on being in Jesus’ presence. Bartimaeus approached Jesus even in his filthy state, because Jesus had the answer for his life. Regardless of your present or past state, God welcomes you in His presence. You must approach Jesus as you are, and by faith, receive his life-instructions, his healing and/or his provision for your life. This may be your last chance.
May God bless you always.
Joan M. Blake
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