You will gain life

Lately Ive been worrying alot (Im sure too much) about everything going on with our govt and whatnot. There's fear of losing our freedoms as Americans and as Christians. With issues being snuck into bills that could threaten our way of life as Christians here in America, I can't help but worry. With the news out recently that the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child is being urged to be pushed through Im out and out scared for our future. What does the future hold for our families and the raising of our children? But, as a Christian I'm told not to worry....numerous times in fact. This is easier read than practiced Im afraid. How wonderful to serve the God I do!

It seems as though we're getting closer and closer to the end. But as a Christian the end is actually the beginning for us. I have such a hope in my future that while the world seems to be falling apart and turning upside down all around me....I have been given hope! While I relish the hope we've been given through Jesus, my flesh is afraid. We've been given some insight through scripture what the end of this world will be like. Scary stuff! But I know I have not been given a spirit of fear. I try and remember the 1st century church and the awful things they endured while refusing to deny their faith. Is our future on this earth similar to that of the first church and the countless others who lost their lives due to their unyielding faith in past centuries? Will my family and I have a strong enough faith to withstand what might happen if we dont deny our faith?

All these thoughts have been rushing through my head lately. Where do we draw the line and stop fighting against what is bound to happen? But then I am reminded had the church of America stood up for truth in the past 50 or so odd years we might not be as far gone in America as we are today. Not having as many battles to fight for truth as we're faced with right now. So, if we still have generations left on this earth....shouldn't we be fighting tooth and nail to save what is left of Truth in our country and world? Surely we cant just throw in the towel now and let the future suffer for our lack of opposition and willingness to stand for what is right. Right??

Where is the balance though? Where do we say enough is enough...I cant be consumed with this anymore? Where is the balance between being wise to prepare for what is inevitable and over reacting?

I see part of the Church with their eyes wide open, seeing the future for what it is. Preparing our lives (spiritually and physically) for it. Then...there is this other half, still sleeping. Eyes shut tight and not wanting to acknowledge what is obviously taking place right before us. Or, worse yet....encouraging, accepting and being "tolerant" of the evil that is seeping in. Im reminded of the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Some were ready for the bridegroom, others were not. The ones who had prepared ahead of time got to enjoy their bridegroom while the ones who didn't prepare were shut out and excluded. While this talks of salvation I can't help but wonder if it means preparation in other ways as well.

All of that to say that I have been in need of peace about all this. As I was reading my Bible tonight I ran across Luke 21:8-19.

8He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them. 9When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."
10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
12"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13This will result in your being witnesses to them. 14But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17All men will hate you because of me. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By standing firm you will gain life.

WOW. What a wonderful hope we have. While the end can seem so scary, and so near, we are told not to worry! When I wonder what I would do if worse came to worse and I were to be faced with denying my faith I am told HE will give me words and wisdom! Some will die and we WILL be hated (we see this already starting to happen because of our faith and stance for Truth?) because of our following Jesus but WE WILL NOT PERISH! We wont die!!!! By standing firm we will gain life!!

Thank you Jesus!