We want it to be over, but we fear the way the end may arrive, we want to go to our eternal home, but not when the sun is shining and we have anticipated plans.
“Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.” (John 14:28)
The thought of fear, of anticipated distress, can be more detrimental than being in the middle of the episode, generally under extreme duress people do not freeze up, they may make poor decisions, but they rarely become the deer in the headlights.
Our adversary is well aware of this truth, the weak in mind are of no consequence to him, those who possess a greater fortitude in adapting to fearful situations pose no threat as well, fear can be elevated to a height that is proportional to the individual, and the only thing he knows better than himself is how people think.
“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” (Prov. 24:10)
Like a fine wine to a connoisseur, when fear comes upon those who are hid in Christ, then a goal has been achieved by him.
“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2nd Cor. 2:11)
For those of us who have been paying attention, who have been blessed with Spiritual discernment, we have watched the underlying movements of our adversary as he creates subtle fears among mankind, a sense of inevitable doom, and perhaps the saddest part is watching as those who profess to serve the Almighty stop hearing the truth of Luke 21:28 and instead begin to fall prey to those fears.
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”
Nearly every news event that adds upon the past fears becomes the topic of their conversations, chipping away at their resolve to stand upon the Rock of their salvation, causing thoughts as to the continuation of their temporary future here, instead of concerning themselves with the task at hand, reaching out with the truths of the Word of God to all that will listen.
I have no idea if this is true or not, but in my mind I see Paul spending the few minutes he had left speaking of the love of the Lord Jesus Christ to the man who was preparing to cut his head off.
I hear our Savior say, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Which shall it be my brothers and sisters in Christ? All fear is gone, or hope slowly dwindling away because of fear?
Generations have come before us looking forward to the days we find ourselves in, perhaps the last generation of those who were first called Christians at Antioch. There will be no worldwide revival, as it is called, before the Rapture, but is there a need for one in your heart? Does the way this world is going frighten you? Is there a hint of continual fear within you, as the hedges are lowered, will that fear grow?
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
The conforming of this world is being predicated by subtle fears, and they will grow exponentially as the days pass.
I have stated this in the past, and it needs to be repeated here, the chaff and the wheat must be tossed into the air many times before they are separated. The wheat lands repeatedly each time upon the foundation, whilst the chaff is blown away.
I will leave you to contemplate this, is fear a temptation, either from our adversary who is well versed in it, or from our own flesh, which above all things fears death.
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)
Watch the world, study the house of your enemy, but leave fear to others. Moments of fear will arrive in your life, seek the face of God in those moments, remember the promises and rest in them.
In the valley of the shadow of death, you are never alone.
