Life is not for the faint of heart…neither is sky-diving, hot air ballooning, or dealing with the pandemic. We all struggle with some weighty issues that make the challenge of getting through the event something that is not very fun at all.
As I ponder life this early morning, sitting with coffee in hand and reading family news and reports, I realize that we need someone to be strong despite all the negative. Why? There’s nothing like everyone getting panicked and running away! Nothing positive gets done. Someone needs to be the watchman, the pick-up-the-pieces and get’er done or the one who creates a strong presence to stand up for the faint of heart.
For a quick lesson in this personality, consider David facing up to the giant, Goliath. Or, maybe we need a flawless Samson who cannot be defeated and never shares his secret. Could it be we need a savior? Well, he’s come, gone, and returned as the Holy Spirit – so we have what we need!
How Do We Handle Life
We are watching signs of an ending all around.
Could it be that the pandemic makes the zombie apocalypse seem possible? Hollywood agrees with the theme of a virus of sorts that takes over the body and turns everyone weird!
From the sidelines and in the fight, I’ve watched as many use the pandemic to slip away and make different choices – some good, some not so good. Others have been like the prodigal, returning to their roots where they once felt safe and secure. If we are getting closer, then I believe in a great awakening. Harvest time!
Paul is writing to Thessalonica and pens these words toward the ending of his letter:
But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.
For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them,
as labor pains upon a pregnant woman.
And they shall not escape.
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
You are all sons of light and sons of the day.
We are not of the night nor of darkness.
Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.
But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love,
and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
For God did not appoint us to wrath,
but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
(1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 NKJV)
Making Changes
I’m conditioning myself for the end run. You know, the last days. Like a thief in the night, it shall come, and we may not be aware, but we can be ready.
How? What do we do? Can we do anything?
It’s not simple, no matter how I look at it. I must change! Spiritually, yes, I’m strong enough for the future. Physically, financially, peacefully? No way. I cannot second guess the solution to living through this. I must be constantly aware. It’s like creeping through the forest like a ghost, walking on tiptoes through a minefield, or even running swifter than I’ve ever run before because I have the best track shoes in the world!
But, I have His peace (John 14:27), and it passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7), so don’t stress during these times. Pray. Stay faithful. Live holy and righteously. Keep close to the one who speaks, and things happen.
Do not be overwhelmed!
“For the Lord GOD will help Me;
Therefore I will not be disgraced;
Therefore I have set My face like a flint,
And I know that I will not be ashamed.
(Isaiah 50:7 NKJV)
The past few weeks of living with 9 German Shepherd fur babies have taught me my limits. Know Thyself! But I can still do better. Part of my limits is reached when I worry about their safety. Well, I won’t always be there, and they won’t always be here, so teach them to know themselves! Instill boundaries around their actions. Pray over them, but realize pups/people are going to do what they do. As the Prodigal Father, the only thing I can do is Pray, Watch, and Rejoice when there is a recovery.
How about you? What changes do you need to make? Are you up to it?
“It’s going to get worse before it gets better.” ~Me