There’s been a saying around for as long as I can remember; “If God brings you to it, He will bring you Through It.” It’s a very simple statement with a very deep meaning. In order for anyone to feel secure in this concept, they would first have to have a true relationship with the one who paid it all so we could have it all. Sadly, too many people on this earth today have no desire to seek out and call out to the Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, mainly due to disbelief. Satan and his demons have done, and are doing, their evil works very well. (any emphasis mine)
Andre Crouch (7/1/1942 – 1/8/2015) was a gifted songwriter, and through his active years, he worked with some very famous people in various music venues. One of his areas of expertise was contemporary Gospel, and one of his songs speaks volumes to me personally; “Through It All.”
Reading the verses and the refrain, I can picture memories both good and bad; happy and sad; lost and redeemed. It has helped me to realize that even before I called out for Jesus to be my Savior, the Father never abandoned me. I always believed Jesus was real but didn’t consider having a true relationship with Him until almost 35 years ago. Though I have fallen short many times, My Savior has never let me down. My relationship has only grown stronger as each day passes, and I know I am truly one of His Flock.
Speaking of passing time, it’s obvious this world is facing a new year with hopes of better events than 2020. In my time on this earth (seven decades, plus), the past decade has shown more negativity than all the rest, especially towards anything or anyone that pertains to Jesus. The pages of the Bible are today’s headlines. In Matthew 24 and Luke 21, Jesus foretells what events will be taking place in the last days. In 2 Timothy 3, Paul describes the Godless attitudes that will be prevalent throughout the world. True believers were foretold that we would be in the minority, and this is the case today. In 1 John, chapters 2 through 5, the apostle tells of false prophets and antichrists that were already present in his day, nearly 2,000 years ago. He tells us they would only increase in number and intensity near the end of the age.
Almost everyone has heard of the “straight and narrow path vs the broad path leading to destruction.” Matthew 7:13-14 gives the statistics. In this world today, it’s estimated that true believers presently make up between 10% and 12% of the total world population. God’s chosen people, the Jews, fare even worse with only about 1% to 2% of their total world population being Messianic, or belief that Jesus is their Messiah. Jesus said there would be “many led astray,” and that’s happening right now.
Not wanting to be the bearer of bad news, but the atmosphere is only going to get worse. The movement is solidly in place to prepare the world for the “reset” and to “program” all the people to be prepared for the arrival of the ultimate evil antichrist, who will rule the entire world for 7 years. To say this can’t be done is to totally ignore everything that 2020 brought us. As stated above, Satan and his minions are working overtime to draw as many people away from the Father as they possibly can.
Terms like “pandemic”; social distancing; wearing facial masks; quarantines; questionable vaccines being presented with a threat that they may become mandatory; travel restrictions; and so on and so forth have all become the new “normal.” Luke 21:26 tells us that people will “faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming.”
Understanding that the world is changing should be obvious. However, realizing that God is not surprised by any of it should give us courage. “Through It All” says in the very last line, “For if I’d never had a problem, I wouldn’t know that God could solve them; I’d never know what faith in God could do.”
Please read and consider the words that Brother Crouch gave us in his wonderful song.
(1) I’ve had many tears and sorrows; I’ve had questions for tomorrow; there’s been times I didn’t know right from wrong. But in every situation, God gave me Blessed consolation that my trials come to only make me strong.
(ref) Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus; I’ve learned to trust in God. Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to depend upon His word.
(2) I’ve been to lots of places; I’ve seen lots of faces; there’s been times I’ve felt so all alone. But in my lonely hour, yes, those precious lonely hours, Jesus let me know that I was His own. (ref)
(3) I thank God for the mountains, and I thank Him for the valleys; I thank Him for the storms He brought me through. For if I’d never had a problem, I wouldn’t know that God could solve them; I’d never know what faith in God could do. (ref)
Through all the negative signs, there’s another side to the coin. God promised that all who had received and accepted His Son would not go through the Wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10; Revelation 3:10). With the 7-year tribulation just a “breath” away, the “taking up” of the true believers to meet Jesus in the air is even closer. Instead of fainting with fear, we are getting excited that our redemption is near, and we’ll be going Home soon.
Another song by Andre Crouch in 1976 is called “Soon and Very Soon.” The first line is, “Soon and very soon, we’re goin’ to see the King.” God does not make promises He will not keep, and He tells us, “All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” That’s found in Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21, and Romans 10:13.
Take a few moments to review Romans 10:9-13, and following the simple “ABC’s,” you can guarantee your forever will be with the Savior.
A – admit you’re a sinner and need a Savior (Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23).
B – Believe Jesus’ death at Calvary covered all the sins of those who would receive and accept Him.
C – Call out to Jesus to be saved, as He will turn no one away who truly confesses their sins and asks Him to forgive them. He will prepare a place for all who do so in His Father’s house (John 14:1-3).
Forget about all manmade rituals, special words to repeat, and other sacrifices that have to be made. Jesus paid for us in full. To add to His gift would be an insult. Just talk to Him, either out loud or in your mind, and He will hear you. Speak to Him as a friend because He’s the best one you or I could ever have.
Jesus could’ve refused to suffer and die for us as He did, but He came willfully to give us a pathway to the Father (John 10:18). If you were God, would it not make sense that all who reject His Son could not spend eternity in Heaven? Several places in the Bible tell us that Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6; Acts 4:12) and that without the Savior, we don’t have the Father (John 3:18; 1 John 5:12). Those who do have Jesus as their Savior will not be condemned (Romans 8:1).
Whatever takes place in this world – “Through it all, through it all, I’ve come to depend upon His word.”
Hope to see you at the Rapture!
Maranatha!