Reading from the Book of Romans 8:19-22,13:12 and Ephesians 6:10-18
19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[h] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.
We live in day in which there seems to be much anxiety throughout the world about what the future holds. There is the economic anxiety of failing monetary systems on a global scale that leaves many wondering what will become of their finances in the near future. There is the anxiety of wars and rumors of wars throughout the world on a scale more fearful than ever before with the existence of nuclear weapons throughout a majority of the world’s powerful nations. There is even the anxiety of where the next earthquake will strike as we are undoubtedly witnessing the increase of earthquakes as Jesus forewarned would happen shortly before His return. Not only have there been increasing earthquakes but also an increase in other types of nature related calamities such as volcanoes, tsunamis, tornados, hurricanes, cyclones and many other unordinary weather occurrences and with a frequency that we have never witnessed before. Even the animal world seems to be in a state of despair with the increase of bees, birds and fish suddenly dying in great numbers throughout various regions of the world. Romans 8:19-22 says that all of creation eagerly awaits the revealing of the Son of God, that the creation itself will be delivered from the bondage of corruption and that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs. I believe that the increases of natural disasters that we are witnessing are indeed these birth pangs spoken about in Romans 8:22 from the creation itself before the coming of the Lord.
12The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
The Bible warns us that as we inch closer and closer to the return of the Lord we will be subjected to a world that will wax more and more evil. Throughout the ages there has been a battle between good and evil that exists beyond the tangible world. Many walk through life unaware that they are in the midst of this unseen spiritual war. The apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of this age, and against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” There are spiritual “hosts” of wickedness that are pulling strings behind the curtains of the world’s affairs
As we live in a time where the future is so uncertain with the world tinkering on the edge of nuclear war and of global financial collapse, the secular world wants to provide solitude in material and temporary enjoyments. The only way you will be able to cope in a world that is heading towards inevitable turmoil is to put on the armor of God. I may sound pessimistic about the future but God’s timetable for prophetic fulfillment is right on schedule. All of the end time chess pieces are moving into position. Our present day world may seem like evil is winning but God is still and always will be on the throne and in control. We shouldn't be surprised when we read the headlines and see catastrophes, corruption and wars. Jesus said it would be so but if we are wearing Jesus Christ, then we are prepared.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
If you live a life of anxiety or fear then may I suggest turning to Christ. It isn't just the right remedy it is the only one! All other remedies are temporary and want something in return. Christ just wants your heart. Christ is a giver not a taker and what He gives is life and in abundance. Spend some time meditating on Ephesians 6:10-18 and get acquainted with your battle armor. Christ doesn't want you living in fear. Fear is of Satan. It is one of his most underhanded weapons but we have armor for it. We have Christ and we have His promises of overcoming the world and of eternal life. We know the end because He has revealed it to us and at the end of the day – we win! In fact we have already won the battle but we are just waiting for it all to play itself out. While we are waiting, be sure to be donning your armor. Satan’s time is running short and he knows it. In these last days he is pulling out all the stops to take as many with him as he can. We live in an era that is chock full of temptations, compromises, deception, lures, and distractions from God then any other generation before. That is why it is so important that we have on our protective armor – The Armor of God.
1 comment:
Father God, I pray that I learn what is pleasing to You and that my life is a constant proof of the things that are most acceptable to You. I give thanks to You at all times and for everything, in the morning when I dress in my spiritual armor and at night when I fall down on my knees in honor of You.
Amen
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