Reading Time: 3:30
Every time I go to the web, watch the news, or even listen to other Christians, they tell us that everything is under attack. The idea seems that if you are happy, then you really don’t understand how bad it is. The media also seems to have taken up the mission to be sure that everyone is angry with everyone else. Hate is not the answer, but we are sure well-trained in it. It’s almost our first response to anything we hear.
Everything seems to revolve around destroying my life. I am taught to air my opinion on things I known little about and I am told unless I take a stand, then no matter how remote the situation, it is going to destroy my life. Fear and hate are the norm in our society today, and as foolish as we are we give into people who capitalize on generating this emotion in us.
Fear and hate are great motivators, but I am reminded by the Scriptures to not dwell on the very things others tell me are critical to my well being. The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy about the issues around him. He encouraged him to stick to what he knew to be true from the Scriptures and not give way to the fear and hate all around him.
You can count on the fact that you will suffer along with the rest of the world as they go through the “birth pains” of the second coming, but you have hope, you have a God who promises to be with you and rescue you from all harm.
“12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in
Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
13 while evildoers and impostors
will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14 But as for you,
continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of,
because you know those from whom you learned it,
15 and how from infancy you have known
the Holy Scriptures,
which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
2nd Timothy 3:12-15 NIV
Just before this passage to Timothy, Paul reminded him of the sufferings he had endured. He ended the list of all this persecution and ill will with this statement, “Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” (2nd Timothy 11b NIV)
So don’t be surprised, but consider it a warning, “There will be terrible times in the last days.” (2nd Timothy 3:1 NIV) Arm yourself with the presence of the Holy Spirit and the comfort of God’s Word and get you joy on.
God is with you.
“8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things.
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me,
or seen in me—put it into practice.
And the God of peace will be with you"
Philippians 4:8, 9 NIV
Like the Apostle Peter told some Christian women in 1st Peter 3:6, “do what is right and do not give way to fear.”
Never forget, when God is with you, life can full of peace and joy, even in the midst of the battle. Until next Monday, may the presence of the Holy Spirit be forever real and felt in your life as you seek to draw closer to God.
Pastor Brian Jenkins
Calvary Assemblies of God