The Signs of the Times

We have to be prepared, and that means we have to get ourselves into a place of preparation, because we don’t have a dummy run or a practice for these times, do we? 

In our garden we have a fish pond and for years have enjoyed watching the fish swim around in peace and tranquillity.  We were however, alarmed one day in the middle of June to come home and find a large number of fish (around 15) floating dead on the surface of the water. It was because of the prolonged hot weather had contributed to reducing the oxygen levels in the water and certain more vulnerable fish had just died very quickly.  Obviously, we took steps to remedy this and the rest of the fish had been ok. 

I heard a few days later on the radio that this same thing had happened to a few lakes around Solihull and Birmingham and was attributed to the hot weather and thunderstorms etc and it was reported that we had, had the hottest June since records began in the 1800`s. This is a sign of the times. Global warming and climate change are with us and we are being warned all the time about these changes and the dangers they herald.  

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In my readings today I read in Luke 21 where Jesus describes the last times, times of war, earthquakes, plagues and famines. `There will be strange signs in the sun, moon and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth for the powers in the heavens will be shaken` (V25-26 NLT) Jesus also goes on to say in Verse 29 `Then he gave them this illustration: Notice the fig tree or any other tree. When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near, in the same way when you see all these things taking place, you can know the Kingdom of God is near` (NLT) 

When I read this it reminded me of the fish incident and how this was a sign of the times. Every day in the news we hear about events around the world that confirm to us the times we are living in. To be honest some of the things you hear about invoke feelings of shock and despair. The Lord in His word however, constantly reminds us that instead of worrying and despairing we should focus our mind on Him and draw close to Him recognising that the world every day takes another step towards the day when He will return. He urges us to be alert and aware of the signs of the time in the news reports and events we see, as they encourage us to draw closer to Him and to stay faithful and open to His Spirit. 

Jesus also said that there would also come times of great persecution for His people and they would go through testing and trial. `There will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. (Luke 21:12-13 NLT) The Lord said so clearly that when all these things happen, this will be a time for us to shine. We will be given words to say and opportunity to say them. He clearly warns us about this so we will live in a state of preparedness. The parable of the ten virgins is all about staying alert and being prepared. This is so important and we should not forget that at any time He could return and before He does these things will happen. We have to be prepared, and that means we have to get ourselves into a place of preparation, because we don’t have a dummy run or a practice for these times, do we?  

Actually, we do!  As I live my Christian life before the Lord, I realise that there are times when things are wonderful, when I feel great, my family are in blessing, the church is blessed and prospering in the Lord and my prayer times are amazing. I feel so close to the Lord I could walk on water (so to speak). But then that is usually followed by a time of real difficulty, where everything becomes difficult, problems come at you from every side, quarrels break out in the family, you or your family might become ill, or you may experience financial difficulties. The possibilities are endless and you can go in a moment of time from feeling like you’re walking on water to feeling like you’re drowning.  

This is persecution, this is being under attack from our enemy the devil, or sometime this is just life. It is tempting in this time to feel you are under some kind of punishment, that you’ve done something wrong, that the Lord has “gone silent” on you and that you are on your own. And you wonder why you have to go through such difficult times, because frankly they are not nice or feel very comfortable. But how you deal with them is actually extremely valuable. They are preparation for survival. We learn in these times to depend on the Lord, to ask for help, to dig in and trust Him, to search His word for sustenance and guidance. To prove God`s love for us and His keeping power in our lives. We learn to use His word as a sword and shield, and to depend on the promises like:

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

 I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this. The faithful love of the Lord never ends, His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself the Lord is my inheritance therefore I will hope in Him. The lord is good to those who depend on Him to those who search for Him. (Lamentations 3:22-25 NLT).

And Romans 8:38-39 NLT 'And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God`s love.  Neither death nor life, neither angles nor demons, neither our fears for today or our worries about tomorrow  -  not even the powers of hell can separate us from Gods love.  No power in the sky above or the earth below  -  indeed nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.'

These are the building blocks the Lord uses to prepare us for times to come, for times when we may have nothing but our faith. We recently listened to a testimony of the faith, trust and perseverance of Christians in China, their love to meet together and to learn. How they treasure and memorise the word of God and their preparedness to be put into prison or worse for their faith. Who knows whether in our lifetime we will be required to make a stand like this. 

But it is the ability to recognise quickly, that when we step out for the Lord, we more often than not are attacked by the enemy in one form or another and things become difficult. Its learning to recognise quickly the source of attack, then to draw close to the Lord and use His word to counteract the attack; this is a valuable lesson to learn. One day it may be having to stay close to the lord when our income, possessions, homes, loved ones are taken away or if we find ourselves in prison or worse. And standing up in faith to lions and bears of today, will equip us for the Goliath we may face in future days. 

Global warming is a real issue, many are recognising it slowly by things they see, hear or experience, and want to prepare for it.  Many don’t accept it and make no preparation. But if we believe the Bible one day the occurrences prophesied in Revelation will come.... Are We Ready?  

Lord help me today to learn how to truly rely on You in every situation and teach me how to be ready to serve You in all situations.  Help me to see what is happening around me and learn the lessons of the fig tree.  Help me to make preparations in my life now for the days that are to come.  Amen.

Author: Jan pearson

May God bless and enrich your life

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