What Can We Expect?
Those of us who were born in the second half of the century (especially in the United States) have had a pretty easy life. We watched the job market grow. We were able to witness the common man prosper financially. We were witness to a fantastic boon in technology, including watching men from earth actually walking on the moon. There were few political issues to deal with other than the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War with Russia.
When looking back in history, most every age had immensely tragic events that made living much more of a back-breaking chore than a privilege. I cannot locate a time in history better than the time from 1960 to 2000. I can’t help but think whether this was because the United States was a God-fearing, church attending, family oriented society, or was this actually just the calm before the largest storm ever to be witnessed in our world. Most of us don’t even know what trouble is!
As I debate this issue internally, I look to the Gospel of John. John: the Apostle of Christ who was banned to live alone on an island for refusing to publically turn his back on his Christian beliefs. John: the man who wrote the final book of the Holy Bible…the astounding book called Revelation!
John 16: 33
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Although Jesus spoke these world specifically to his Apostles, I also believe that the prophetic nature of these words apply to each one of us even today. Yes, the world does have troubles, sorrows, and woes for each and every one of us. There is no escaping this. These things cannot be avoided if you are a living person, (man) we were made in the image of God.
Yes, I am saying that I believe that God suffers from anguish and sorrow also. I have a friend who went to a hospital when anointed powerfully with the Holy Spirit. He revealed to me that as he walked through the hallways of the hospital, he could feel the pain and suffering of those who were in the rooms he passed.
The creatures that we are make us a part of this entire package. The zest of living includes feeling and experiencing things through our senses. It is very possible that even when we exit this world, we will still possess many of the characteristics (senses and feelings) that we have now.
The next point that I have to make about this topic is centered on one important word: consistency. God has made it clear throughout the Bible that he wants us to pray to Him, worship Him, ‘walk’ with Him, and gather together to seek Him all ‘Creator’. I don’t blame Him…after all, He is God!
Proof that God wants us to be consistent in our daily walk with Him is found in multiple places in the Bible, but a good example can be found in the Book of Matthew:
Matthew 12: 29-30
Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off its possessions unless he first ties up the strongman? Then he can rob his house. He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.
The strongman is the man/woman who stays filled with the Holy Spirit and is in daily communication with the Lord. When your daily worship practices are ‘put-off’ or ignored for a time, this is when the ‘robber’ (the devil) can take your possession. The only way to protect against being weak against the attacks from the enemy is to be ‘strong in the Word’. Don’t put yourself in this position!
To sum this all up, it is of the utmost importance to continue your prayer and worship practices! Not only does this daily practice keep you safe from the enemy, it also is what God requires of us until either natural death occurs, or the Second Coming of Christ! You cannot take breaks from being a Christian!
