As the world gets more chaotic by the day and the depravity grows darker, we Christians are called to keep shining… to keep trusting.

We have been told to pray without ceasing, to keep the faith, to hold to certain promises, to put on the full armor of God, and to stand strong.

And in the midst of all that’s going on in this crazy world, we are called to remain calm.

1 John 4:18 states that we are not to fear if we belong to Christ, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Not only are we not to fear, but we’re called to be salt and light as we continually remember our God Reigns, His plans prevail, His word is true, His ways are perfect, and He’s coming again!

Something I’ve realized is the minute I take my eyes off these truths and off the Savior, I can quickly succumb to fear when surveying the world today. I instantly trade in peace for panic… the very opposite response Christ desires.

Philippians 4:6-7 is a beautiful verse, as it reminds us we can have His peace at all times. It says, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

I love that…. “Be careful for Nothing!” In other words, “Don’t worry, be Happy.”

We can be happy because the Son still shines! We can be happy because of all Christ has given. We can be happy because He is on the throne. We have everything good because of His sacrificial love. And we have a bright eternity awaiting us in the near future!

All these truths are great reminders for all believers.

BUT…

What about those who have not yet made the decision to put their trust in Christ?

What about those who have not accepted Christ’s gift of salvation?

What must this world look and feel like to them? Believers have hope and a bright eternity. This decaying, dying world is not our home… we’re passing through. We have the truth, and we know how the story ends. We understand, too, that, in this life, we’re promised by God that He will take care of us. No matter what is happening in the world today, He promises He will provide for our every need and will never leave us or forsake us.

Our trust in Christ is what allows us to have any kind of hope and peace along the way.

Because we’ve put our trust in Christ, we can confidently hold to the truth that when this world sinks deeper in sin and spins out of control, we can still experience peace because of the promises we have in Him. We can still rejoice. We can still have hope and see light at the end of the tunnel.

We know with 100% certainty that because He lives, we can face tomorrow, and because He lives, we can face anything.

Imagine, though, not having that hope… that peace.

Imagine walking through this life without the Savior… without true hope. It’s a very sobering thought.

There are so many lost souls carrying the weight of the world with them… so many tired, confused, depressed, suicidal, living in fear and worn down. So many are roaming the earth looking for meaning, searching for hope. So many are perplexed by the overwhelming evil that is running rampant throughout society worldwide.

As Christians, we need to be equipped. We need to run the race with all we have. We need to be salt and light. 2 Timothy 4:2 reminds us, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

We need to be in prayer for all who are lost and spend what days we have left before His return sharing the good news and investing in things that truly matter.

And we need to move fast. It seems crystal clear to anyone paying attention (both believers and unbelievers) that “normal” is not returning. Anyone paying attention, even a little, knows things just aren’t right… up is down, evil is now called good, etc.

It is becoming more evident with each passing day that time is growing shorter and Jesus’ return is near. Many, many, many are sounding the alarm that everything is beginning to converge… the handwriting is on the wall. We are witnessing, in real-time, plans being made and put into play, technologies being created, alliances forming. We are hearing of wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, etc. Everything the Bible speaks of concerning the last days is coming to fruition. We are seeing it play out before our very eyes. All of it coming together… paving the way for the tribulation.

Globally, signs are converging, and converging at amazing speed. The labor pains are revving up quickly, and it’s just a matter of time before Christ calls His children home. We are closer than ever, which is why we should do all we can now for the kingdom.

And as we’re doing all we can, as we’re answering the call, let us not grow weary. Galatians 6:9 reminds us: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

As Christians, we may find ourselves growing weary and impatient for His return. We may wonder, “What’s taking so long, Lord? This world is getting worse by the day… isn’t it time yet?… When will you come get us?” We may feel these things from time to time and grow impatient waiting for His return, but I love 2 Peter 3:9, which says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

This verse reminds us of God’s great mercy, love, and patience for humanity. His heart’s desire is that all will come to receive the beautiful and free gift He so selflessly gave. It would seem that additional time is given out of mercy… an opportunity for more souls to be saved.

Let us also be reminded that God’s timing is perfect. He is never too early and is never too late. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. His plans are perfect, as is His timing. So grateful that He is merciful and patient.

Never forget… He will come to get us when it’s time. In the meantime, we’re to keep looking up and reaching out. We’re to continue sharing, praying, rejoicing, and giving thanks. We’re to keep persevering and running the race. And as we excitedly await His appearance and look forward to His voice calling us home, we’re to trust Him daily, be joyful in heart, and do all we can to bring others into His kingdom.

Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

Matthew 6:20-21 states: “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

If you are a Christian, thank God today for His most special, beautiful gift of salvation. A gift none of us deserves, but in His great mercy and love, He so selflessly, freely gave. Thank Him for touching your heart, working in your life, and for salvation that forgives, cleanses, rescues, and brings an eternity bright forever with Him. Thank Him for allowing you more time on this earth to give, to plant, to help, and to share the good news with others.

If you’re reading this and have not made the decision to accept and follow Christ, please do so today. No one is promised tomorrow. God’s word is true, and Jesus is the only way.

There is an escape from this sinful world and all its mess… there is hope… there is forgiveness for sin, there is a bright future for you. Salvation is given to all. Jesus Christ died and rose for all…. His blood was shed for all. He is the only way. Cry out to Him today…. He will rescue you.

The Bible says,

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).

“And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:9).

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11-14).

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him” (Hebrews 2:3).

Believe today…

“As it is written, ‘There is none righteous, no, not one'” (Romans 3:10).

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).

Remember: time is ticking away, and no one is promised tomorrow.

Whether you’re a believer or an unbeliever, you know what you need to do.

Please, don’t wait another day.

spate.holly@gmail.com

 

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

TRUST

One lesson I’m continuously learning is to trust. Trust God in ALL things. Trust Him when life is beautifully going along, and trust Him when life seems to be falling apart. In all circumstances, I’m called to trust. And, in all circumstances, you are called to trust…. We all, as believers, are called to trust.

What does that look like?

When tragedy hits and we can’t make sense of what has happened, we’re told, “TRUST.”

When life takes a turn and we lose a job through no fault of our own, we’re told, “TRUST.”

When someone we love dies who has not been given long years in this life, we’re told, “TRUST.”

When treated unfairly or overlooked, we’re told, “TRUST.”

When personally going through or watching others struggle with health issues, we’re told, “TRUST.”

When deliberately hurt and feel betrayed, we’re told, “TRUST.”

This has been a rough month for our family. Some unexpected storms have come. But, through everything we’ve experienced. I hear God continually, lovingly saying, “TRUST.”

TRUST… that I know best.
TRUST… that I have a plan and purpose in the pain.
TRUST… that I see your tears.
TRUST…that I hear your cries.
TRUST… that I am beside you.
TRUST… that I have you in the palm of my hand.
TRUST…that I will provide for your every need.
TRUST…that I love you unconditionally.
TRUST…that I will work all things together for your good.

Through every trial, through every tear, I’m called and you’re called to trust. This life we live is not always easy. This life does not always seem fair. We may look around and feel perplexed when we see some people soaring through life with barely a scratch and others trudging through with battle scars.

We may question why many seem to have an easy road compared to others who trek uphill through rugged terrain.

Matthew 5:45 says, “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

This verse reminds us that no one is immune to trials and hardships… no one.

Part of trusting is knowing that we can’t see the whole picture, but God does. He is the author of our lives. Like a puzzle, He holds the pieces and is creating the picture. We may not be allowed to see the missing pieces of the puzzle, the holes left to be filled, but God sees clearly, and every piece is in His care; not one is lost.

He promises he’s working for our good. If we love Him, we will trust Him no matter what storms come or how hard the path is that we must walk. It may be difficult, but it’s not impossible because Matthew 19:26 says, “but with God all things are possible.”

That’s just it… that’s the key… “with God.” We can never, nor will we ever, have peace in this life when the storms come… a peace which passes all of our own understanding, except by holding to the truth that God is trustworthy and we can lean on Him and trust Him when we don’t understand.

When going through a difficult time, my mind is bombarded by “Why’s.” I often think that one day, when we all get to heaven, God will allow us to see the picture clearly. All the “why’s” we’ve experienced in life will change to “Wow…. God was always at work.” We will understand and see how every struggle, every hurt and disappointment, fit into the bigger picture. It’s impossible to have all the answers here and now, but we can have some peace in knowing that God has all the answers, and we can have peace amidst the “Why’s” in our lives. We can experience peace in the pain because God is trustworthy.

In this life, on this imperfect earth, all we can do is trust. Trust in the only One who has all the answers and sees fully the entire picture… past, present and future.

If we’re trusting, we’re obeying. If we’re trusting, we’re leaning on Him and not ourselves. If we’re trusting, we understand that it’s not our job to try and make sense of it all because we won’t always be able to. If we’re trusting, we can bring ourselves to keep praising because we know God is with us, and He alone is trustworthy.

While preparing this article, I decided to look up trust in Webster’s Dictionary. I wanted to share the various descriptions and definitions attached to the word. I found them interesting.

Trust (noun):
: assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something
: one in which confidence is placed
: dependence on something future or contingent: HOPE
: CARE, CUSTODY
: a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship
: something committed or entrusted to one to be used or cared for in the interest of another

Trust (verb):
: to rely on the truthfulness or accuracy of: BELIEVE
: to place confidence in: rely on
: to hope or expect confidently
: to commit or place in one’s care or keeping: ENTRUST
: to permit to stay or go or to do something without fear or misgiving
: to place confidence: DEPEND
: to be confident: HOPE
WOW!

There are so many comforting verses in the Bible that talk about trust… so many verses about God’s presence and His promises. All given to encourage, strengthen, provide comfort and give hope.

Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

This verse has brought comfort during difficult times in my life.

When I lost my uncle, who I was very close to, this verse reminded me to trust.

When job losses and changes have come, this verse reminded me to trust.

When I saw others excelling in life, and I felt like my life was standing still, this verse reminded me to trust.

When I was perplexed by a trial or storm, this verse reminded me to trust.

Trust me; there will be times when you may look around and begin to compare your battle scars… don’t. Comparison steals joy. Comparison causes envy. Comparison cripples progress. Comparison chips at our ability to trust completely. It’s hard not to go there (at times very hard), but you have to focus on Christ and put your trust completely in His capable hands.

You are journeying with Him, and everyone’s journey and trials look different and are different.

And yes, there will be people in life who will never experience the trials you are going through. They will never be able to understand or relate. They may even judge what they don’t know. I think of Job and what he went through… how the people in his circle responded to his trials.

But God knows. There is a reason… there is a purpose.

Everyone is hurting in some way.

Every time you trust, your faith grows.

Every time you trust, your character grows.

Every time you trust, your testimony shines brighter.

Life comes with changes, challenges and trials, and no one escapes them. We all struggle. We all have hardships. Some may seem to go through more than others, but not one person in history past, present or future has been immune. We all have been affected.

This world is not perfect, and we’ve been told we will have trials and tribulations along with joys and mountaintop moments.

As believers, we will go through things; it’s part of life. But as believers, we have the assurance that we will not go through them alone. We are promised our Lord, the maker of heaven and earth, will be right beside us, hearing our every cry, seeing our every tear, knowing our every struggle. And with every trial, there is an opportunity… a choice to be made: Will we choose to trust Him, and will we trust Him completely?

It should bring peace to know He is the only constant that never changes.

He is trustworthy in all things understood and all things not understood.

Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

Psalm 145:14 “The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.”

Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”

Psalm 56:8 says, “Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?”

Luke 12:6-7 “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

God wants us to take every tear, every trial, to Him. He wants us to lean on Him and not our own understanding. He wants us to understand that although we will endure trials, He will never leave us or forsake us.

He wants us to have complete confidence in knowing that although we live in an imperfect world, He is perfect. His ways are perfect. His plans are perfect. He is King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Creator of all. He knows all; He sees all.

There will be many things this side of heaven we will never understand. Perhaps in heaven, God will allow us to see the whole picture… every piece of the puzzle perfectly in place. But for now, we may never understand God’s plan in the trial or suffering we are going through, but we can understand that He is good and perfect in all His ways.

As His children, we can rely on the truths which He has given us.

Truths like, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12).

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

God promises that one day (maybe soon, the way signs are quickly converging in the world), He will call us all home. In the twinkling of an eye, we will forever be changed and forever, for all eternity, be with our Heavenly Father.

It’s amazing to know that we haven’t even really begun life… we have all eternity ahead of us! Our time here is just a speck compared to all eternity.

Until that wonderful day arrives, we are called to keep on keeping on, fully putting our trust and faith in God. And we’re reminded that not only are we to trust, but we’re to give thanks in season and out of season. Psalm 34:1-3 says, “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.” Not always easy to do, but easier to do if we are putting our trust in our heavenly Father.

No matter what struggles you may be going through, know with 100% certainty that the Lord is right there with you, and He promises to never leave you. There is a purpose in the pain.

Keep persevering, keep leaning into Him, keep trusting, keep praising, keep shining bright.

One day, this sinful world with all its struggles, problems and injustices will all be behind… a thing of the past. As believers, we need to remember our hope is not in the things of this world or anyone in this world. Our hope is in firmly resting and trusting in our Lord and Savior. And one day, we who have put our trust in Christ will be called up to forever be with the Lord.

No matter what your struggle, look up because you have hope. In Christ, you always have hope.

Revelation 21:3-4 “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

spate.holly@gmail.com