In Trying Times

December 2015 – Grace & Truth Magazine

In Trying Times

During this season we tend to look back and think about what has taken place during the year. Besides the continual decline in spiritual interest and values worldwide, the ready acceptance and promotion of behaviors forbidden by God has grown extensively! More churches and people, who by their own claim have associated themselves with the name of Christ, have turned their backs on His Word and, in fact, on Him. We are not surprised for Scripture tells us that “in the last days difficult times will come ... [and] evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse” (2 Tim. 3:1,13 NASB ).

The Word of God gives instruction and encouragement, and thinking of this we intend to look at the prophet Jeremiah. He was faithful in trying times, standing firmly for God. Considering his life and others mentioned in this edition, we are challenged in our study of Scripture and in our consistency in prayer – not just thanking the Lord for the food at mealtime. There are many lessons to be found in these articles for us to put into practice now. How many can you find?

Another time when things were bad was when Christ was born. Then too, we see many things with which we are familiar today, including a disdain for the things of God by the world and “His people” alike. Yet even at that time we find some who were faithful to God, who knew the Scriptures and were seeking to be where He had placed His name.

The difficult times at His birth culminated in His death 33 years later. That death and His resurrection opened the way of salvation to all who recognize their sinfulness and believe in Him. Do you believe? Have you asked Him to come into your heart? Is He Lord in your life? God’s offer of salvation will soon end!

The rebellion toward God in this world will not be allowed to go on forever. Soon, believers will be taken to heaven. Then events ordained of God will take place to remove the evil and establish the righteous rule of Christ on earth. He is already exalted in heaven. Is He exalted in your heart now?

By Paul Alberts