Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

"Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer."¹

Sometimes the seemingly simple things in life can teach us some of the most important lessons. Take ants, for example. Even though their "brain" (central ganglion or nerve) is less than one-tenth the size of a pinhead, ants live in highly organized social colonies. Some collect food, others build the nest and keep it clean, and some look after the queen ants. Nurse ants clean and feed the larvae. Soldier ants guard and protect the food-collecting ants. No wonder the Bible says, "Go to the ant ... consider her ways and be wise."²

Among other lessons, the ants "who store up their food in the summer" teach us the importance of being prepared ahead of time for whatever might come our way. The Chinese proverb, "Dig your well before you're thirsty" makes the same point. Children need to be prepared for life, teenagers and young adults need to be prepared for entering the work force, and for taking care of themselves. Those who are planning to be married need to prepare in advance for it; unfortunately, too many don't. And all adults need to prepare ahead for retirement and old age.

Most important of all, we need to prepare for life after life when we will meet our Maker face to face. As God's Word says, "Prepare to meet your God,"³ and as Jesus taught about his return to earth, "Be ready; for when you least expect it, I will come."⁴ How tragic beyond all measure for those who aren't prepared for life after death or that day when Jesus returns for all his true followers.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to trust in you and, in so doing, always be prepared for whatever lies aheadâ€"especially for life after death and for the day of your return. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

NOTE: To make sure you are prepared for life after death and/or for the day of Christ's return, read the article, "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian" at: www.actsweb.org/christian.

1. Proverbs 30:25 (NIV).
2. Proverbs 6:6
3. See Amos 4:12
4. See Matthew 24:44

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