Seeing God in America by Thomas Nelson

Author:Thomas Nelson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2015-02-01T00:00:00+00:00

GOD SHOUTS THROUGH THE MIGHT OF HIS CREATION, BUT SPEAKS QUIET WORDS OF LOVE TO HIS OWN.

Battleship Memorial Park

Mobile, Alabama

READY FOR SERVICE

“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

—MATTHEW 24:44

It took sixteen months to build and launch her, but she was only in commission for less than five years. In that time, however, the USS Alabama fought in both the Atlantic and Pacific regions, from the Arctic Circle to the Fiji Islands, earning nine World War II battle stars. The Alabama had fired over 1,250 sixteen-inch shells on the enemy and shot down twenty-two enemy aircraft—but never was damaged by hostile forces and never lost a single man to enemy fire. At the war’s end, she led the victorious US fleet into Tokyo Bay.

In the Battleship Memorial Park and Museum in Mobile, Alabama, visitors from all over the world have the opportunity to tour this restored battleship, a World War II submarine, and numerous other military displays. On board the Alabama, visitors can explore the ship’s twelve decks, peer inside the impressive gun turrets, and try to get a feel for what life was like for the crew of 2,332 enlisted men and officers who called the ship home.

Even though the USS Alabama was decommissioned after sixty months, the ship had helped turn the tide of battle. The period of usefulness may have been brief, but it was strategic.

As followers of Jesus, we too have just one brief lifetime to make a difference for Him. As a result, it’s important to be awake, alert, and ready to be used in strategic ways. The apostle Peter wrote: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). Paul told Timothy we need to be like an instrument or tool that God can pick up and use anytime—“useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work” (2 Timothy 2:21). When He gives us something to do or somewhere to be or something to say, we’ve got to be ready to respond.

Father, help me to be ready day by day for those moments when You give me a task and ask me to step forward in faith.

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