Have you heard the story of the man who woke up early one morning and noticed something strange? The clock read 3:33. The calendar showed it was the third day of the third month. He lived on Third Street, in the third house. That day, he read in the paper that a horse named Trio was running in the third race. Convinced this was a sign, he rushed to the bank, withdrew all his savings, and headed to the track. He entered through the third gate, sat in the third row, and placed everything on Trio in the third race.

Trio came in third.

Sometimes, things don’t turn out the way we expect—or hope. The believers Peter addresses were feeling the same way. They had bet it all on Jesus. But instead of comfort and recognition, they were facing persecution and rejection. Surely they wondered if following Christ was worth it. Yet despite the hardship, they knew what Jesus had done in their lives—and the answer was still yes.

But that raises a deeper question: How do we endure until the end? Peter’s answer? Live with urgency. Be clear-minded. Be self-controlled. And above all—pray. As the return of Christ draws nearer, God is preparing His church. We will not limp across the finish line. We will rise in power, just as the early church did in its infancy. Already, we are seeing waves of spiritual hunger, revival, and boldness among God’s people. The tide is rising—and a spiritual tidal wave is coming.

But not everyone wants to be part of an end-time church. Many are content with comfort. Some want soft sermons that never confront sin or stir the soul. But an end-time church doesn’t play it safe. It prays relentlessly, gives generously, witnesses boldly, and worships with passion.

May Gateway be that kind of church.

Reflection Question:

Are you living with urgency and prayerful focus in these days? What needs to change for you to be part of the kind of church God is raising up for His return?

Prayer Focus:

Pray that Gateway will be a true end-time church—bold, prayerful, generous, and faithful. Ask God to help you live with clear-minded purpose and unwavering devotion, ready for whatever He has in store.