I trust that your Christmas was merry, and your time with family and friends was bright.
2021 is ending much like it started, with much uncertainty. Just when you think it is safe to come outside again, another COVID variant runs across the planet. Just when you think it is safe to “go” shopping, violent crimes hit the malls and prominent shopping areas. Just when you think it is safe to travel, flights are canceled due to personal shortages.
Good news is in short supply, while troubling bad news dominates every headline. But, in the midst of it all, there is hope. Jesus spoke of such hopelessness, sighting many of the Old Testament prophets who spoke about the time of the end.
This is important for the Christ-follower for two reasons. Nothing is being done in the darkness escapes the all-knowing knowledge of the godhead. The fact that it is known in heaven means that a divine escape plan is in place. God has made certain that those who follow Christ are not left in the dark about what is happening worldwide. He has let anyone interested in knowing the truth know about it for thousands of years.
Because the prevailing darkness is known in heaven, and because a plan of escape is in place, the Christ-follower can (and must) take comfort and find courage in this time. You are not left clueless, nor are you left without hope. The time of the return of Christ draws closer with each passing day.
Your focus during this time is to secure your relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Find time, make time to spend time with God. Read the Bible (find a translation that makes sense to you) often, asking God the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to his direction for your life. Pray for God the Son to ignite the passion to know him in your heart. Ask God the Father for wisdom and understanding of how to live close to him in this time of life.
Don’t try it, do it.
Find those of like mind, like heart, and like faith to connect with. This does not mean finding someplace to be entertained, but rather finding people to grow in Christ with. Find people you can be honest with while they are equally as honest with you. Connect with them, establishing a strong bond of Christ-like fellowship.
Secondly, do not try to witness to people about Christ; instead, let your life be a living testimony of the life-giving, life-changing love of God the Father. As darkness spreads, even the smallest amount of light can be seen—so let that light in your life do the witnessing.
Do not be afraid to speak with people about Jesus in your life. Do not attempt to beat them up with words from the Bible; instead, let the light of the word shine through your words and deeds. Revival fires are heating up, but not in the traditional sense of the word. The fire in you will touch people in your world—let it burn.
Excitingly scary things are still on the horizon for the Christ-follower, while many scary things are just around the corner for the rest of the world. Do not allow your heart to grow cold or indifferent.
You can do it with Christ helping you—and he is and will continue to do so.