Upheld in Confidence

The Outlook

The outlook is a bit dismal. The clouds fill the skies, tree limbs are still bare—except for the evergreens which are, well, evergreen. I think they must stand sentinel amid what looks lifeless around them.

Yet, Spring with its pastel blues, pinks and yellows, is just around the corner, there might be a hint of it in the landscape. You might argue that it is February, and this is a known month for coming in with a bite at the end of the winter season. Snow, snow, and more snow. Then ice dripping like daggers off the roof.

We shall see which way it goes this year. But I DO know that the day is longer and that gives me hope.

Stand Firm

It could be debated that some feel we are in such a time in the country. With some of us leaning one way in our opinions and some of us leaning another way. I have a friend who calls this 2^nd Opinions, but try as I might, I just can’t find that book in my Bible.

But there is a verse I can find, and it says that the government rests upon the shoulders of only One. He was sent to earth to bring peace and goodwill to men. He knows the end of all things and no matter what are our opinions, only He has Truth and will guide us there as we look to Him.

So, stand firm upon what you know to be true. He will establish you.

“So, then, brothers [and sisters], stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ, Himself, and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 NIV).

Believe His Faithfulness

It is easier to face change with fear rather than faith. The evil one prances and pounces and seems to get the upper hand. But he is a defeated foe. We just need to gather the courage to face him and turn him over to the One who has conquered him.

The same One who, we would say in modern vernacular, went to the mat for us. Only the mat was vertical and wooden. He was nailed to the cross to redeem us back to Himself. He did it. He is victorious. And He holds our future.

“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV).

Confidence 

In the light of this assurance in our Savior, we can work while it is still day. We can be certain in the tasks the Lord has given us. He will see that we can complete them.

Time and eternity are in His hands.

And so are we.

“We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance” (2 Thessalonians 3:4-5 NIV).