IF YOU MISS IT...
It was about 1:30am on a Saturday morning, Evelyn sat by the edge of the bed, watching Joyce, her roommate, struggling and muttering words in her sleep. As she paid closer attention, she heard her saying, "Oh no, I've missed it, I've missed it, I've missed it." Soon, she was sweating all over and tears running down her cheeks. Gently but very firmly, Evelyn tapped her, "Wake up Joyce, you are dreaming." She sprang from her bed and held tightly to Evelyn, shaking like a leaf. Evelyn held her arms. "It must have been a nightmare," She whispered into her ears. "No Evelyn, it was very real and I missed it." Joyce replied "Missed what Evelyn asked, with a puzzled look. Joyce pulled away from Evelyn's arms, looked straight into her eyes as if looking for answers to a puzzle and then, with more tears streaming down her cheeks, she said, "I missed the rapture." This sounded like a bombshell to Evelyn because to her and everyone else the neighbourhood, the church, and the department where they studied, Joyce was a good Christian. Hers was a life worthy of emulation for all who cared
to be close to God. She was not only a fervent and committed Christian lady, she was also kind, loving, gentle, and generous to everyone. She had a way of putting smiles on the faces of the depressed and sparkling up hope in the hopeless. With these virtues she had won so many sinners to the Lord. Indeed, she was known to be a godly lady, bound for heaven. Even thought nothing less of herself until this fateful Saturday when she had this dream. It was the first Sunday in the New Year. And being a thanksgiving day, Joyce was elegantly dressed in her favourite dotted pink gown. She was happy to be in Church. As an usher, she warmly welcomed members and visitors as they arrived for the service and led them to the pew to be seated for the commencement of the service. A lot of activities are usually lined up for services like this. Gradually, the service progressed till it got to the climax --- the time for sermon. The pastor took over the pulpit and after a word of prayer, the sermon began. Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, some spaces on the pew-especially at the right hand front corner where the children sat became empty, the pastor, and a few other elders too vanished. Joyce had a strange rush of emotions, and she suddenly developed goose pimples. Looking around, she saw the surprise and questions on the faces of the congregation left in the church. They all turned towards her as if expecting answers from her. Almost immediately, she understood what had happened and without any caution she screamed, "It's the Rapture, it's the Rapture and I missed it, oh I missed it." At that moment, the guilt of all her unconfessed activities dawned on her and she sobbed bitterly. It was in the midst of those bitter tears and lamentation that Evelyn woke her up Evelyn was forced to ask Joyce why she of all people would missed the Rapture. While still weeping, Joyce replied, "I'm really sorry Evelyn, I've been using your things without asking for permission or even informing you. I have always taken it for granted that since we are together, informing you or asking for permission is not necessary. Often times, I get the prompting in my spirit to tell you but each time I wave it off promising to tell you by and by. I'm so sorry, please forgive me." On hearing this, Evelyn also broke down in tears beside Joyce. She also confessed all her secret sins and together they prayed
fervently to God, asking for mercy. They rededicated their lives and asked for grace to live up to God's expectation and be ready for the Rapture. Just like Joyce, many Christians have become careless with their Christian faith to the point of allowing the 'it doesn't matter' lie of the devil influence their day to day life. It is a fact that the Rapture is certain and Jesus will come again but when he comes. Will he find you ready?
Christian women mirror, December 2017