A FEW MONTHS INTO my freshman year in college, I realized I was not ready for Christ to come. I was raised Adventist, had gone to Adventist schools, attended Bible camps, and even worked at summer camp for
a season. I knew about the Second Coming. I had heard sermons on it my whole life, but in spite of all that, I was afraid for Christ to come. I wasn’t ready. And I didn’t really know how to get ready.
So my roommate and I committed to sharing just one Bible verse with each other before bedtime every night. In the mornings I would read a passage on my own—nothing long, just another Bible verse. Sure, it would take some time to get familiar with the whole Bible, but at least it was a start.
Midway through my sophomore year, I went to Seoul, Korea, as a conversational English teacher. I had done pretty well sticking to my one-passage-a-day commitment in the morning. So now I often added a short story or devotion from the book My Daily Bread to go with it. I realized there was so much more to the Bible that I didn’t know, and I really began to enjoy reading it! I found new gems all the time.
During my year in Korea I also started reading a book by Ellen White I had brought with me called Messages to Young People. It had a bright-pink cover. The short, broken-up sections made it easy to read and perfect to add to my morning worship. I found that the more I read, the more I liked it and the more I wanted to read.
As I read the Bible and my first Ellen White book, I began to realize my own sinfulness and need for a Savior. I saw my shortcomings and longed to be more like Jesus. I began understanding Bible passages that were just mere words only years before. God was speaking to me through His Word!
HIS GIFT
One day on the drive to class, a passage that had been floating around in my head clicked: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9). I get it, I thought to myself. It’s not about what I do—being a good Christian—but rather what Christ has done for me—died for my sins. And my salvation comes not through going to church or being good but rather by trusting in Him.
This realization changed my life and understanding of being saved. It gave me the peace of mind I was searching for. My quest to be ready for Jesus’ return resulted in not only a better understanding of the Bible but also in a relationship with Christ that continues to this day. Accepting Christ’s sacrifice is what saves me. And you too! If being an Adventist feels like you’re just acting in a play, may I suggest you spend more time seeking God? Start by committing to spend time with Him each day. Find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. Put aside any distractions. Then try the following ideas.
1. Pray. Ask God to give you a desire for Bible study and prayer. Ask Him to give you a clear mind and to reveal anything that would separate you from knowing Him better. Ask for Christ’s presence in your life and for a revelation of His character. Pray for a desire to study and know His Word and for the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself to you.
2. Read the Bible, even if it’s only one verse a day!Unlike other books, the Bible is God’s Word. It’s living and active, and when we ask for the Holy Spirit to speak to us, the Scriptures seem to come alive and address our unique circumstances. The more you read, the more you’ll be drawn into it.
3. Claim promises. Take God at His Word and repeat His Word back to Him. Here are some meaningful passages to get you started:
• “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day.” Psalm 25:5
• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5, 6
• “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1, NIV
• “Those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” Psalm 9:10
• “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10
• “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
• “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7, NIV
4. Read the Spirit of Prophecy. If you’ve never read any of Ellen White’s books, start with something small like Steps to Christ. As you progress, add other Spirit of Prophecy books to complement your Bible study and prayer. As you read, your heart and mind will be lifted heavenward.
Jeremiah 29:13 is not just a Bible promise, it’s a reality. If you seek God with all your heart, your mind, and your soul, you will find Him. And you’ll be thankful you did.
