Encouragement for God's People

Prepare yourselves for something different, this time.

"But know this, that in the last days, perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.

"... Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them..." (2 Timothy 3:1-5, 12-14)

I've heard it said that the first paragraph above describes Congress. I don't know if that's so, but it probably applies to almost any group in this age. But it's also very clear that the apparent level of wickedness has increased, and all one has to do is watch the news to see that.

What's a Christian to do? Remember that we have the advantage:

"But where sin increased and abounded, grace (God's unmerited favor) has surpassed it and increased the more and super-abounded" (Romans 5:20, AMP).

In the first passage above, Paul was urging his disciple, Timothy, to remain faithful in the face of a growing evil. Likewise, we who truly follow Jesus' example are to remain just as faithful, knowing who called us, and told us to carry on until He returns.

So why am I telling you this? I perceive a great weariness and frustration creeping over those I know, and many whose blogs I regularly read.

Don't give up, friends. No matter how bad it looks, don't give up. Remember who is in in charge, and remember whose we are.

"In the world you will have troubles, but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)