The Best and The Worst
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
So wrote Charles Dicken’s character Sydney Carton in A Tale of Two Cities. It was a time of conflict that made men and women wrestle in their souls as well as in outward form. I puzzle if they were able to discern between the best and the worst.
A lot like today, I think.
With all that is happening in the world, and more to our own discomfort, our country, we don’t know what to think or what to do. Our systems are increasingly tossed out or unreliable. Where do we turn?
Wrestling
Sometimes it feels like we’ve been cast adrift. Nothing is familiar anymore. Things we thought bedrock are challenged and tossed aside. What is next? And what are we to do?
God warned us of these times. He prepared us. If we would listen.
He said we would face great turmoil. An unraveling of society as people became more self-centered and unforgiving.*
Active Armor
I once made it a point to put on my spiritual armor daily (Ephesians 6: 10-20). And like the human that I am, I did very well for a while. Then as days got busy, I forgot. I’m sure I am not alone.
But we cannot afford to let our armor lie on the floor in the closet. As times feel like jagged pieces to us, we need to be ready. God promised us that times would get rougher – even unbearable. We need to grow tougher right along with it. Prepare ourselves with the help of our Trainer to be battle ready. But we need the armor that works.
- The helmet of Salvation
- The breastplate of Righteousness
- The belt of Truth
- The shoes of Good News
- The Shield of Faith (to deflect the fiery darts of the devil)
- The Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God which slays the enemy when wielded)
Then our Holy Spirit Trainer tells us to stand strong. If words are needed, He will provide them.
His Faithfulness
Furthermore, He gives us these instructions: He called you to this (battle) through the gospel, that you might (forever) share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 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.*
“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3 NKJV).
*1 Timothy 3: 1-9
*1 Thessalonians 5
*2 Thessalonians 2:14-15
Linda Jo, I was thinking of this very quote just a day or two ago. Thanks for reminding me today about the good gifts of God, ever available.
True enough, Laurie. He has given us a lot of great promises. We just need to keep our eyes on Him and not the times. It’s good to encourage one another with these things. Bless you, my friend.