These are very troubling times in so many ways and I feel led to jot down some thoughts on who we are in Christ. I hear many Brothers and Sisters who are very upset about the elections, Islam, the deterioration of our culture, etc. and I think we all can relate. But, as the end gets closer and closer, we really have to make sure our thinking is solidly grounded.

Firstly, what about the USA? We live in a country that has been extraordinarily blessed by God. If we’re brutally honest, many of us feel (although we might not want to admit it) that as people, we’re maybe just a cut above everyone else – we must be to have been put here by our Father. I think we need to step way back (maybe into outer space) and try to focus on the big picture. We are citizens of the US (or the UK, etc.) in the same way Paul was a citizen of Rome and, as such, we need to fulfill our obligations as citizens. Our primary citizenship however is in heaven (Phil. 3:20). God’s plan has always been the restoration of His inheritance, Israel and, among many other things, the USA is a tool He is using to accomplish that. He uses the same clay to fashion vessels for honor and dishonor (Rom. 9:20,21). We are the same clay as He used to fashion Iran or France or any other state – even the Islamist jihadists! The only difference is that the Master Potter has decorated the outside of our vessel with beauty and honor and we are exceedingly fortunate to have been used in it. But it’s still a tool for His sovereign use.

The elections on the 7th (the 8th, Mid-East time) were, on the surface, not only distressing, but also very unexpected. No one anticipated the tidal wave that hit all levels of government – local, state and federal. To me, this is clearly the hand of God at work and, as hard as it is to watch what’s happening to our beloved US, this is how it has to be.

Another movement of God’s hand that’s very difficult to deal with is the whole Islamic terrorist movement. I recently read an article by Mark Steyn where he declares the future belongs to Islam. He says they have youth, a lack of social obligations and a young civilization on their side. And he’s right! The West will not prevail and here’s why. While our governments fiddle around with ‘diplomacy, etc., the enemy is extremely focused and are of one mind. It doesn’t matter where in world they are – they’re all on the same page. What Mr. Steyn doesn’t mention, though, is their real key strength – they believe they are doing God’s will. Period. And I think they’re right in that belief. God is using them in the same way He used the Assyrians and Babylonians in dealing with a fallen Israel. If you read Rev. 17: 12-17, I think you’ll find today’s reality described quite clearly. Vs. 13 – “They have ONE purpose…” Vs 17 “For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose…..” Do these verses apply to the Islamists of today? I am not a biblical scholar, but I think they do and, as His children, we have to see things from His perspective and not be caught up in the emotion of the day.

WE ARE HIS, first and foremost. We need to cast off old ways of thinking and doing. The reality is that the end is going to be a terrible time. As events continue to unfold, they are getting harder and harder to watch. We need to keep our hearts and minds focused on Him and Him only and get rid of any petty baggage we may be lugging around. Keep in prayer and be ready.
 

            “….Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…..”

 

Brad Richard