One morning while having our coffee date and devotions Gloria became very emotional and tearfully shared, "Honey, I don't know what's coming ahead, but I feel God is telling us to 'gird up and hold tight to me'." She then continued, "Larry, I feel like we are going to face some real challenges and trials; we are going to need all of Jesus to go through this...not just us, but everybody. Our faith is on trial and is going to be tested. We will need to hold tight to God, to each other, and to consistently encourage one another. She slightly whimpered and added this statement as well, "I also feel that those in the frontlines of ministry are going to come under enormous attack facing trials and challenges in their health, finances, marriages and churches."
What she said really got my attention. Gloria is very perceptive and doesn't just disclose things like this every day unless she really knows in her spirit it is from God. She keeps telling me we must be alert. We have to pray harder and with more intensity to survive the tsunami of events we may or will encounter.
Needless to say, this is all only too true. Since March, look at the devastation of weather related catastrophes through tornadoes, floods, fires, and earthquakes. The letters keep pouring in and it seems our phone rings nonstop with the cries and heartbreaks of family and friends facing tragic circumstances: car, motorcycle, farm accidents, cancer, heart attacks, untimely deaths of babies, youth and on up, hopelessness spurring on suicide, loss of homes, loss of jobs and the list continues on and on.
Friends, if you are feeling the heat of pain and disappointment, let me share what I read this morning in 1 Peter 5:8-10 (NASB). It is so true and timely; please read carefully, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you."
Now let me encourage you, he instructs us and charges us in verse 7, "Casting all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you."
I thank God that I do not have to face the future alone. Psalms 28:6-8 says "Blessed be the LORD, because He has heard the voice of my supplication.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him. The LORD is their strength, and He is a saving defense to His anointed." Family and friends, HOLD ON...HE WILL SEE US THROUGH. Don't give up! Don't give in! Look up...gird up...as Christ is coming soon!