Revelation 13-17 is full of more scary happenings as the devil is very much at work in the world (a bad dragon and beasts cause lots of problems). Although I am not really sure of the details of the bad stuff, I know it’s evil at its best. As a believer, I’d like to avoid getting caught up in that at all costs. I have to keep reminding myself that even with all this crazy bad stuff going on (plagues and suffering), God is still all powerful and very much in control of things. He’s the One we have to be sure to depend on and follow.
I have a hard time relating to all the “super-naturalness” of Revelation, but I know it has a real purpose in my life and my faith. From my viewpoint, I don’t have to look far or reflect much to recognize things that distract me, deceive me, and interfere with my relationship with God. Bad stuff happens to good people and good people, God’s people, are prone to getting lost in this world. Revelation offers me a picture of the need for perseverance and deep trust in my faith, despite what is going on around me.
This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.
We have hope in God through our faith, but a faithful life in this world isn’t always an easy or obvious road to follow. I have to be intentional about making every decision in my life a Godly decision. I am realizing more and more how difficult a task this can be because my good intentions don’t always lead to good decisions or faithful discernment. The reality, I am learning, is that I have to ask God what He wants and needs me to do with every step I take. And after I consult my Mighty Counselor, I have to hear Him before I act.
For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish His purpose
What is your purpose right now? Is your purpose the same as God’s purpose? What steps is He asking you to take as we begin the New Year?
A prayer for today-
Dear God,
Thank You for making me one of Your believers. Help me to hear Your voice and follow Your direction in my life. Forgive my missteps and continue to redirect me with Your loving arms. Guide me in living out the purpose You place on my heart. Show me Your will for me each step of the way. You are my Rock and my Redeemer, my Savior.
In the name of Jesus I pray,
Amen
In Christ’s love,
*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project. Click here to read more.
love your prayer Lindsay.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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