I think that many of us need a reminder that God is not shocked or thrown off His game by recent events. No matter how tumultuous or dismal times may be, He is ever on the job and never surprised.
As Islam steadily marches westward, as America abandons Israel and our government systematically tramples the principles of our Constitution, as the culture slips further into decadence, and as the Church appears less able or willing to stand against what ails us, many in the Body of Christ have grown faint and have lost heart. In fact, the despondency in our ranks is somewhat stunning and reveals how soft and vulnerable we've become. Like Lot, whom the Bible calls a "righteous man" (II Peter 2:7-8), we Christians have no doubt been adversely affected by living in a society reminiscent of Sodom. Evil, when promoted en masse, has a way of desensitizing even the most resistant, and just as Lot attempted to dialog with demon-possessed men (Genesis 19:4-13), countless Christians have today made a sort of deal with our debased culture. Rather than offer our virgin daughters to lechers in the street, many now simply agree to be silent and look away as the world preys upon those around us, even though the targets often include our children and grandchildren. For the sake of not being called fanatic, we've kept our mouths shut and even appear to have forgotten Who it is we serve and what His standards for our conduct must be. In short, the pressure of the world has spoiled our saltiness.
As we enter 2013, I believe it is crucial that Bible prophecy must again become a focus. Prophecy is God's gift of comfort, assurance, and understanding to the Church. Students of prophecy know that God has dispelled fear and illumined dark places by clearly mapping the future in His Word. Understanding our times in the light of prophecy beckons the Church to focus clearly and without reservation on our earthly mission. God has proclaimed much about our day, and just as the men of Issachar understood their times (I Chron. 12:32), we must study and recognize where we are as related to prophetic events and then respond accordingly. There are great rewards for those with ears to hear what God has spoken regarding today.
The Apostle Paul implored that we not become "weary in well doing" (II Thess. 3:13). The writer of Hebrews encourages us, saying "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
These are uncertain times but we surely serve a God of certainty! His blessing, protection, provision, favor, and
strength are ours. We serve a God whose eternal hand stretches beyond earthly governments, financial fears, increasing evil, natural calamity, or any other predicted end-time catastrophes. And He has plainly spoken of all that is now happening through the words of men like Paul, Peter, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others.
If God is truly with us, then, who can really be against us? Jesus exhorted "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:28). "These things" referred to by the Master are happening all around us in our day. For us, watching for His return can't be just a nice, positive slogan to throw into conversations - it needs to be a way of life for you and me!
So, I encourage you, don't lose heart, my friend. Make your life count. Stay the course, for hearing Him say "well done" will be worth any struggle we ever face on earth! It won't be easy but let's stay resolute in our mission and make each day of 2013 count eternally.
For the Cross,
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These very troubled times are exactly why Take A Stand! Ministries exists. As perilous as the days now appear, it is becoming clear to me that our nearly 30 years of work was to position us for the time just ahead. With the many new open doors God is providing, our outreach now touches exponentially more people each week. Please join Melanie and me and our team as we provide reasons for faith, present the truth that sets captives free, hinder Satan wherever possible, and make an impact for the Gospel. Your financial help is needed and I invite you to click the donate button below to take your stand with us. Thank you!
