Don’t Give Up!
Today I wanted to reach out to you with an encouraging word during these undoubtedly dark days. We might be told that the challenges we are facing have come before and that the world continues to go as it always has, but we should not be fooled. Peter warned us of what the deniers would say “Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:4. We live in unprecedented times, when people are connected now more than ever before. What happens on one side of the world, we see elsewhere; we see nature itself sludging along with the sinful curse established on it from Adam’s fall from grace, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” Romans 8:22. Our instincts tell us things are changing, and we do not know if tomorrow will look like today. Doubt and fear have become common emotions felt even by the strongest in the Christian faith.
Some have decided to tell themselves that this is all but a bad episode in life that will go away soon. Yet, we also see the real headline news reminding us of what Jesus Christ said, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.” Matthew 24:6. However, this darkness is in no way something to be frightened about if you have Jesus Christ in your life. If you are saved and are His, remember God’s Words in Deuteronomy, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you” Deuteronomy 31:6 or in Matthew, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20. He has not forgotten us who are His!
Over the next week things will get almost entirely worse, remember what Christ said we were to Him and what His plans for us who are saved is. This passage in John 17 describes how Jesus wants us where He is, however read John 14 and see His promise to us on where we are going! We have not been forgotten; He is ever patient waiting for the opportune time which one day will come, and we will hear Him call us home.
“19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. 20 I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:19-26.
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:1-3.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL