It was 10:40 am when I pulled into the parking lot at the McDonalds in Black Mountain, NC. An appointment had drawn me over the rolling Carolina mountains from my hotel in Charlotte. After getting my rental car parked I pulled out my itinerary to check my schedule… this was perhaps the fifth, or maybe the tenth, or … that I had looked at this itinerary. I wanted to be sure. I wanted to be ready.
My appointment in Black Mountain was at 1:30 pm. I was scheduled to rendezvous with “my contact” at 1:25 pm.
Quickly I did the math. I was over two and a half hours early.
There was no miscalculation and no misunderstanding. I fully intended to be in Black Mountain with an extravagant amount of spare time. I had fully accomplished my purpose.
The minutes that preceded my meeting were spent in preparation… mentally, spiritually, emotionally. An unrushed environment provided a perfect backdrop for the Spirit of God to work.
At 1:30 on Monday afternoon I met with Dr. Billy Graham. The much anticipated encounter had taken a long time to arrange, but the expectation was now replaced by the reality of a meeting that I was humbled to experience.
The time with Dr. Graham didn’t disappoint. The richness of his legacy blending with the freshness of his passion moved me. During the moments in Mr. Graham’s warm and modest den I heard an invitation ringing out in my soul. For all of the millions of people that have been invited to embrace the Gospel from this man… I was now hearing another invitation, a personal invitation… to carry on. To lift the name of Jesus, without apology, without compromise… preparation met invitation at Black Mountain, and the Spirit of God stirred.
As I drove away from Black Mountain I was struck by how “ready” I was for this meeting. I reminded myself that I was over two and a half hours early in my arrival, which drew me to the fact that I was prepared because of the object of my effort. I was meeting with a man who has met with kings and presidents, with celebrities and statesmen.
I was going to be ready… of course.
“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” ~ Matthew 24:44 (ESV)
My duty and commitment melted into confession as I reflected on the preparation…
Am I as ready, as expectant, as focused, as thrilled, as moved, as humbled… am I two and a half hours early for THE King?
When preparation meets invitation… be ready.
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