Twenty years ago, predictability could be regarded with much more than a pinch of salt. What could go terribly wrong with forward planning that involves more than common sense? At worst, severe illness out of nowhere, a freak accident, and perhaps being at the wrong place at the meanest moment. In terms of mathematical probability, there would be many zeros. Not quite so as I write; those zeros seemingly fell off – in some instances, scratching a solitary digit!
It is as good as saying that the next week if not days, are rest assured without any need for a sigh of relief. Indeed, more frustration way ahead – it could imply going back to the drawing board for more than the umpteenth time. Not that welcome adrenaline rush as hypertension could be quite the norm. Doors of supposed opportunity get slammed right in many faces as uncertainties near warp speed. The imprint of imminent failure begins to wrap itself menacingly as options and even ideas arrive at exhaustive levels. The dreaded prospect of depression then begins its merciless onslaught – some guffaw from the pit of hell accompanies this rampant move!
For those who do not walk closely with the Lord, this vicious tide is much like a knife cutting through butter. A severely tormented mind is susceptible to falsehoods that aggravate the confusion. This, in turn, feeds negatively into relationships; heated arguments over almost nothing can erupt, whether it is with loved ones or colleagues. The wicked laughter from none other than the evil one intensifies, and its tenacity is very much like a wild beast on the hunt for prey.
It will come as little surprise when the enemy is compared to the above-mentioned creature of carnage in 1 Peter 5:8. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
Indeed, this is not further from the truth in our present time, which is characterized by increasingly evil days. The heart-wrenching sad stories bear testament to the enemy’s relentless destruction of souls. Do not just talk about the unsaved on the casualty list, but Christians who do not wholly put their trust in their Saviour do risk joining their unbelieving counterparts – much to the delight of the devil!
I Peter 5:9-10 tells us how we, as firm believers in Jesus Christ, can avoid the above-said train wreck.
“Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”
This is truly the situation that is part of that sliver of time before our redemption. The son of perdition is hell-bent on making it very difficult for the Bride of Christ. We can in no way draw any strength from our limited resources, which can never withstand the barrage from the beast. We have to draw our strength from our Heavenly Father, who is all eyes and all ears where our wellbeing is concerned. We must “therefore submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
When we submit to our Creator, it means a one hundred percent commitment. With this, we can avoid the numerous wild goose chases that so typify the punji stake snares set up by our adversary. Proverbs 19:21 has great advice for our spiritual wellbeing.
“There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the LORD’S counsel – that will stand.”
The long and short of it all is simply this – you are playing literally with hellfire when you go it alone in these darkening days. You need to put everything in the hands of your Lord and Saviour. Yes! What is happening at this very moment is what the Olivet Discourse mentioned. The incredible weather, the prospect of wars, and of course, the ongoing pandemic. Amidst the turmoil, the is sureness and stability in the Living Word. The same can be said about our Hope!
Maranatha
Edwin
Contact me at edwinuk13@gmail.com