How does one press on day by day in a world at enmity with itself and with creation? I can assure you that even within your own social sphere, there are many souls who are teetering on the precipice and hanging on by a thread. I suppose that as illustrated in the photo above, there are some folks who find great pleasure in living “on the edge”. Others simply don’t have a choice. It is true that every generation faces its own torment of trials and tribulations. Even so, each also would probably testify that theirs is witnessing the worse society ever or the worst of times, if you will. They say this with a straight face while holding their comforting Iphone which can do pretty much anything and connect them with anyone. Others will optimistically claim these are the best of times, for there is abundant goodness and beauty to be found. I suppose any conclusions on the matter would be drawn from an individuals present circumstances but also from their world view including issues of morality, ethics and belief in an Almighty Creator.
My belief is that if one observes the world they live in, they should surely conclude that in all the beauty of creation which surrounds us, something is just not right. For how can so much sickness, suffering, and just plain evil behavior exist alongside that which would otherwise take your breath away upon reflective observation. I can assure you that God is not at all ignorant of mankind’s ailments. Short of conceding to the reality that we are living in a fallen world, we will never fully understand why sickness is an equal opportunity offender in regards to race, creed, economic or general stature of any variety. You can however, rest assured that God does know: "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9). It's hard for many to accept by faith that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. It's even harder to say it with a straight face when faced with devastatingly bad news of any kind.
I often have to remind my "flesh" that I have a life long commitment to trust the very words of Jesus, who said: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand." You know, that really is good enough for me, since it comes from the One who created and sustains all things. I also know that for me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Meanwhile we must accept that if we are to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for us, for our family and for our Christian posterity.
Hang in there and count it all joy.
Jim
If indwelt by Christ, authentic Christians can take great comfort in the Grace of Jesus Christ. Outside of that, we all need to reach the lost with His Grace. While all things work together for the good for real-deal Christians, the same principle works for the unsaved - all evil works together for the "good" of what they determine is pleasurable. May the law of the Spirit of Life set them free.
Our lives are about the Kingdom of God - we live on the stage of eternity. So, the challenges experienced today are not only about this moment, but our experience has a positive impact after the return of Christ. Remember Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (ESV) Stand, and endure until your deliverance is complete.