I was speaking on the phone with a parishioner today. The topic of the soon return of the Lord came up as is often the case in my conversations with Christian brothers and sisters of late.
“Pastor I have to tell you I feel, from the Lord, that this is going to be the church’s finest hour.” She said.
She went on to say that she too felt that the nation we live in is going to face some very trying times but that those times were not to affect our love, service, or prosperity in Christ.
Some Scriptures came to mind as she spoke:
“But let us who live in the light think clearly, protected by the body armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God decided to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.” I Thess. 5:8,9
AND
“Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor fear the dangers of the day, nor dread the plague that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.” Psalm 91:5-7
AND
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Tim 1:7
I said it yesterday, “as God has shown Himself merciful to the faithful remnant in the past (read the books of Daniel and Esther as well as Jeremiah chapter 29) I believe that He will do so again. For those who remain faithful to the end there stands a protection in the midst of loss even as our nation enters judgment.
God has always protected His faithful ones. When Sarah was taken by Abimelech and Abraham was too frightened to intervene God moved into the picture (Ge. 20). When the Egyptians reconsidered freeing the Israelites and attacked, God set the pillar of fire between the helpless Hebrews and Pharoah’s armies (Exodus 14). When the Romans imprisoned Peter, God sent an Angel of the Lord to free him from prison (Acts 12).
Even when God himself judged Israel and Judah he protected his faithful ones and prospered them in the land of captivity. Daniel rose to be third in the kingdom of Babylon. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego rose high in political office and Esther became Queen.
What was true then is true now. God will show mercy to those who are faithful to follow Him. When we ask for power He will give it. When we show love, He will cause it to come back on us full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing. In every situation no matter what happens we will have the sound mind that flows out of God’s peace.
We will have it then. We can walk in it now. All we must do is declare our allegiance and walk it out.
Reinventing the We'll 