May 09 2009
What Then Shall the Righteous Do?
We who know and love the Lord Jesus could be quaking in our flesh right now. Like you, I can see it all going down, and my mind wants to claim that it’s a conspiracy. But guess what? Scripture says nothing happens unless the Lord allows it, and in this case, ordains it as judgment. It’s written on the very wind, in fires, mudslides, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, straight line winds–you name it.
So–what then shall the righteous do? Just as they always have, those who truly belong to the Lord will praise and worship Him with their whole hearts, because when the chips are really down, He will come through for them (us) in ways we’ve not even imagined. And while everything won’t necessarily be roses, our faith will increase daily as we see His hand of protection and provision at work in ways we’ve never seen before. His sovereignty will be obvious, perhaps for the first time, to those who, previously, could provide for themselves.
This is true of my family. God is proving Himself more and more faithful everyday, ordering our footsteps and letting us trust when things, in the flesh, look pretty grim. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again–I marvel at the fact that though things may look bad in the natural, my heart is steadfast, trusting in Him, because He comes through in the nick of time with exactly what we need if we choose to wait in faith and not doubt.
A case in point, my husband has recently been looking for an open utility trailer, and we ran all over Robin Hood’s barn (within 100 miles) searching out deals on trailers several weekends in a row. Last weekend we were on our way home with a long list of possibilities, all more than we wanted to spend, when, less than two miles from home, I happened to see one in someone’s yard with a for sale sign on it. It’s not new, but with a little spray paint, it will be as good as new, one foot longer and one foot wider than he thought he could afford for $500 less than new price. It’s just like God to find us one close to home, for a price we could handle, just in the nick of time. What an amazing God we serve!
In fact, I’ve got my own little miracle going right now, where He’s been giving me just enough to help a small group of believers in Kenya, who, as I’ve also mentioned before, have had no food during a time of civil war, drought and famine. Our God is not limited by circumstances, and if we make ourselves available to be trustworthy with His resources, not using them on our lusts, He will make a way for us.
My heart breaks for those who are losing jobs. We’ve been there. And though we’ve never been homeless, I know He is there with those who are. He says He never leaves or forsakes those who love Him, and are called according to His purposes.
So can we praise Him in times of heartache and loss? What else have we to live for? At this time in my life, I can truly say, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” I’ve had a tiny taste of most things I thought I really yearned for, and guess what? They didn’t measure up, not in the least, compared to what I have in Jesus Christ. So I’ve sold or gotten rid of them.
If we’ve been living for money and material goods, we’ll surely fall, because God is kicking out the foundations that are rotting under our feet, in order to show us who’s really in charge here. Scripture said He would. And it’s happening as we speak.
Judgment is here, and He is shaking His bride, purifying her, ready to dress her in pure white garments when she is ready, but not before. So now is the time to examine our hearts, our motives and what we’ve loved most, to determine if Jesus even made the top ten on our play list. And if He hasn’t it will all be gone soon. Yet He is willing to pour out and draw near to those who are repentant, who are willing to turn around and follow Him.
What about you? Are your garments white or have you been living for self, things, money or the recognition and praise of men? We have one chance to get this right, and we dare not be among those who give up on Christ, because it’s too hard. Doing that will reap eternity in hell, not something I’m keen on at all.
It’s up to you. What will you do with Jesus?
Because of His great love,
Nancy
