In the USA we are voting today to elect our governing officials. From the president down to congress, down to small town officials, elections are taking place across our country. I don't believe I've seen a more adversarial, controversial presidential race in my lifetime. My prayer is that we, as a country will act with grace no matter who wins and peace will ultimately prevail. The one thing I am sure of though, no matter what happens God is in charge. His plan is in place and it doesn't just center around any one nation, any one individual. His plan is for the world as a whole and we His church are to be the light for that world.
I hear doomsday predictions from both sides of the fence. If this one wins, it'll be a disaster. If that one wins, life as we know it will cease. All the talk, all the fear, all the anger....it's symptomatic of a life without Jesus. I'm pretty sure that life is going to be difficult, and at some point even dangerous as the world marches forward to the end. The book of Revelation reveals to us disaster upon disaster upon disaster is to come. There will be a great falling away from the church (I'm of the mind we are in that phase now). Right is called wrong and wrong is called right.
But we as Christians have the hope and secure calling of heaven. The verse that sustains me through all the crazy, all the fearmongering is Hebrews 13:14 For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Will things on this earth be difficult, maybe even more difficult than we can imagine....YES. But our Lord has promised us in Isaiah 43:2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. He has also told us in 1 Peter 5:10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. And then on to Heaven we go where Jesus is preparing a place for us. He told us in John 14:1-4 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” In case you missed the last two entries, Jesus is that way!
We have such a security. Such a hope. Life on earth will come to a close. Look at what He tells us in Revelation 21:1-7 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” 5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” 6 And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. 7 All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.
What an amazing time we are living in. We come closer every day to His return and victory. When will that be, no one but the Father knows. It could be next year or 100 years from now. But whenever it happens, for now we live close to our Lord, drawing our strength and peace from Him. He has promised to never leave nor forsake us. He has promised to sustain us through life's hardships and bring us home to Himself. I find such comfort in these facts as we face the unknowns and uncertainties of this world. Our job is to be salt and light in a decaying and dark world. Matthew 5:13-16 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Lets share the Gospel loudly and fervently and prayerfully with urgency.
Keep the faith. Keep the hope. This is not our home!
Lord, just reading those words in Revelation 21 fills me with excitement. Lord, You alone know the ultimate plan You have, we only need to remember You are good and will always work our all things for our good. Help us to stay strong in our faith and dependence on You. Give us hearts to share the Gospel boldly so that those around us have an opportunity to come to You. Lord, help Your people shine brighter and brighter as the world gets darker and darker. Be glorified. Thank You for Your good promises. You will not fail us. Amen.
Pray for boldness. Pray for a steadfast spirit. Pray for open hearts. PRAY!
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