Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Where Is God? Better Question: Where Are You?

It's a pretty messed up world out there nowadays. You don't have to look long and far to see that! This election year is a microcosm of the state of our nation, and world. It would be very easy for one to decide things are hopeless. But actually things are not hopeless.

The same God who created light and darkness, along with the entire universe, is still the same God. He hasn't changed. He never promised the world would get better and better. What He did promise however, is that He would never leave us or forsake us. Even for the non-believer, Jesus stands ready with open arms to receive to Himself, any person who will call upon His name.

From Hebrews 13, "...for He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,' so that we confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid, what shall man do to me?" Just before Jesus returned to the Father He said, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28: 20) This means that through the presence and power of His Spirit, Jesus is just as present among us as He has always been!

So if Jesus is still here, where is He? A better question is, if Jesus is still here, where are you? Are you drawing closer to Him as things seem to get worse? Are you seeking earnestly the One the Bible refers to as the Anchor of your soul? The Apostle James said, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..." There is no reason that any born-again believer should be tossed to and fro by the winds of adversity!

It's only when we draw near to Him, that we understand He will never leave us nor forsake us. And only from that understanding can we say with boldness and confidence, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid, what shall man do to me?" In these present times, without drawing closer to Jesus, we become the most consumed with what man can (and might) do to us!

Be encouraged friend. Jesus is alive, present, and accounted for. He is in the hearts of those who have received Him. He is on the lives of those baptized in His Spirit, with power and might. Be encouraged! The greatest days for His church are just ahead! Don't be paralyzed by fear and intimidation. Instead, draw near to Him, and walk in His boldness and confidence. Believe in what He has said! Take refuge in His presence, and in the mighty fortress of His word!

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus supernaturally revealed to Peter the incredible foundation of His church; and how He would build upon it! He referred to this revelation as a "rock". He said, "...upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it." More than 2000 years later, His church still flourishes! It may seem dark, but Hell's gates haven't prevailed. They won't!

Yes, darkness is growing. But God's grace and power increases even more. The darker the night, the brighter the light! Your light shines brightest when you pursue Jesus in the midst of the darkness. Don't lose hope. Instead take refuge in the God of hope and peace. Don't delay. Draw close to Him now!

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