Ephesians 3:8-13
To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
As you look around the world today, can you see a pattern developing, and has been developing for eons? The state of the world is in a condition, and is going through some very dramatic things that could, may, and will bring about a climatic event, the likes we have never seen before.
I'm talking about, life's tribulations, the rapture, the Great Tribulation and Jesus' return.
If anyone thinks we can settle things down by means of a politcal election or agenda, or through some sort of social justice system, may I submit to you to think it over carefully.
If you read the scriptures and carefully examine with godly discernment, you may discover that what we see today, and what is yet to come, just might be the catalyst for that prophesied event to be manifested.
The thing is, we too often take matters into our own hands. We place entirely too much trust in our government officials over trusting God, (who, by the way, set these folks up in the first place!), who have taken the role of representative statesmen and are clothing themselves in extreme power.
Folks, what is and has been going in the unseen darkness is not of God, but of the principalities of demonic forces in the spirit realm. Evil persuasion, deceit, confusion, and mayhem are all tools of the devil to entice humankind to look to themselves as their own brand of savior.
If we, who trust in the Lord Jesus, remain steadfast and resolved in faith and obedience, even though we may face extreme pressures and hard times, we will come out way ahead in the end. That is not hyperbole, that is a promise from God Himself.
Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. - v13
Paul reminds us that we will face dark days and tribulations, knowing that brighter days are in our future. We who have placed faith in Christ for what He has done for us in the forgiveness of our sins, through His death and resurrection, have the eternal hope and peace that a place at His table in His kingdom is already reserved for us.
So, don't lose heart beloved!
Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Tom
Comments