Greetings in the majestic, victorious name of Jesus. God is having His way. That statement may come across as strange to you with all that is going on in the world; however, the Scriptures tell us, “We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen” (2 Cor. 4:18, NLT). The word “look” in Greek means “to take heed, regard, or consider.” So, we are instructed not to look at the things we can see with our physical eyes, although these are all things we do when making decisions.
We make decisions all day, every day. In making a decision, we primarily consider the things we see or have seen. Watching or reading the “news” is sometimes the worst information to consider. Our experiences guide us in making decisions, and when we make decisions, we make them in the faith of what we have seen and experienced. Jesus says, “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22), not faith in the worldview you have seen and experienced. God is moving on your behalf. Remember, His mercy endures forever. This mercy is why you see so much evil in the world today, which may seem confusing, but stay with me.
Evil comes from Satan, our adversary. Jesus says, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10, NLT). The adversary uses people to fulfill his purpose. God also uses people to fulfill His purpose. So, no matter who you are, you are fulfilling the purpose of either Jesus or Satan. Sometimes both, if you are a double agent. Remember, the double-minded man shouldn’t think he will receive anything from God (James 1:6-8). God is so merciful towards us and the wicked who have been deceived into causing evil. He is giving them time to repent and for us to reach them with His love and goodness. God is waiting for evil, deceived people to turn to Him.
The increase in corruption is how we know Jesus is coming soon! He described the days before His coming in Matthew 24. “Then Jesus said, ‘All these are the beginning of sorrows’”(v. 8). The word “sorrows” in Greek is defined as “a pang or throe, especially of childbirth.” In addition, “intolerable anguish, in reference to the dire calamities that precede the advent (coming) of the Messiah.” The troubles of mankind grow greater and greater as Jesus’ coming approaches. Now, we have seen the entire world shut down because of the trouble caused by our adversary.
Consider the pains that come upon a woman as she prepares to give birth to a child; the pains become more intense and frequent before the event. Then, when the child has come, she rejoices in the new life and the relief from the pain. Likewise, the troubles and calamities of the world will increase in frequency and intensity before the coming of Jesus. Expect it, but don’t focus on it! Focus on and expect the unseen.
When Jesus returns, mankind will feel this relief. You, on the other hand, can experience it now. As believers, we who have been born again look at the things that are not seen (2 Cor. 4:18), which is every great and precious promise from the Word of God. Jesus tells us, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled, trust in God, and trust also in Me” (John 14:1 NLT) and “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28). In Luke, we see the word “look” again (to take heed, regard, and consider). This time, however, we are told where to look and what to consider. Look up! The wisdom of God comes from heaven above (James 3:17). Jesus called Himself the Wisdom of God in Luke 11:49. We know Jesus is the Word of God come in the flesh (John 1:14). So, we should be looking at and trusting in the Word.
The Word prophesies many things that are not yet seen. As in the Lord’s Second Coming, the Rapture of the Church, the peace of the Millennial Age (where the lion lays down with the lamb), and there being no need for implements of war. These are all very real things that shall come to pass; however, the prophecies concerning your health, wealth, and protection are all written in the Word too. They are all prophecies and promises personally made to you in the Word of God, which come to pass by your faith in them.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
—Romans 10:17
We must constantly be hearing the Word of God. When we do, faith comes. Then, we act as the Spirit of God moves us because of that hearing. At that point, faith works and brings the things not seen into the realm of the seen. There is much darkness and evil on the earth today. We truly live in perilous times, as Paul prophesied. However, we should not focus on the perils but focus on the Word, which brings faith that delivers us from and keeps us out of the perils of this Age.
God is having His way with those who will follow and trust in His way and showing great patience with those who don’t. We can have victory in these days. “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4-5, NLT).
If you have never been born again, or maybe you are not 100% sure, but believe that Jesus died and was raised from the dead for you to have this victory, this is what you say: “Jesus, I believe you died and were resurrected for me to have this victory in my life. Come into my heart and forgive me of my sins. Help me, God, to follow Jesus and His Word so that I may live an abundant life in this dark world. Amen!”
It’s easy, and you can let others know how easy it is to get help from the Creator of all things, who loves and cares for them. That is what God wants and what we want. Thank you to all my financial partners who help me tell people about Jesus. We can go more and touch more if we have more. And thank you to those who pray for me and Michelle as we follow God. May the Lord increase you according to the measure you give. May He bless your food and water as you serve Him and take sickness from your midst. Until next time, remember . . . Jesus is coming soon! Be ready!
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