There comes the time when AFTER I’ve done all I could to set things right, all that God expects ME to do – that is – that I’ve simply got to rest in the truth that God is in control of all that happens. He says that the nations belong to Him. He says that HIS PLAN of redemption will be completed perfectly – on time fulfilling every word and promise of His. He’s even given us the book of Revelation to know His end plan and what He means by “the end of all things,” and the “beginning of His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven.”
We too often try to do more than what God expects or even wants of us. When I consider all that others have done in obedience to serve the Lord throughout time – I feel my strength is so small compared to theirs. But I’m reminded of one of the Lord’s 7 letters to His 7 types of churches (Revelation 3:7-13); His letter to the church of Philadelphia, where He states that He understands that their “strength is little” but because they have not denied Him and kept His Word – He will make LIARS (from the synagogue of Satan) come and fall down at their feet and acknowledge that He has loved this church of “little strength” and “patient endurance” to the end. Oh how that makes me so very thankful to be IN CHRIST secured by Him!
And He goes on to commend these believers of little strength: “Since you have kept MY command to ENDURE patiently (the increasing evil and hardships), I will also keep you from the HOUR OF TRIAL (Great Tribulation seen in Rev. chapters 10-18 that the faithful church in this time – will not go through) that IS going to come on the whole world to TEST the inhabitants of the earth.” (Test them for what? Will they finally acknowledge Jesus as Savior and Lord of all?) “I AM coming soon. Hold on to what you have (your faith and strength IN Me), so that no one will take your CROWN.” The Lord continues to tell these faithful ones of His, that they have His NEW Name, and the Name of His City – written on them.”
WOW! All this honor they are given, even with “little strength!” There’s so much more that is ours by faith and obedience to Christ, both now as we live in our current bodies and on throughout eternity – revealed in God’s Word. The future has always been a subject of Bible study for me, as well as understanding what my Lord requires of me now as His disciple. The future JOY keeps me willing to endure the evil day – patiently.
I’ve asked the Lord what He means by “little strength.” And as I have studied Scripture about the end times and the great persecution of the church, and why “apostasy” increases as the Day of the Lord approaches – with the persecution of believers – I understand what He meant:
People who believe in the virgin birth, the cross of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, that He has forgiven them their sins, and that they believe that the Bible is the Word of God, and who have been going to church – even since they were children – that most will fall away when threatened to be punished or harmed (by governments or whomever) because they believe in Jesus Christ and the Bible. WHY do they shrink back? Fear makes you easy to control!
No wonder Jesus said so many times to His disciples, knowing how we all fear pain and maybe death, “Do not fear. I am with you. What can man do to you that the Father won’t allow? The devil has to ask permission of God to harm you. So be faithful to the end, so that your faith will be REWARDED. I am coming soon!”
Christians just don’t understand that God wants to reward us just as much as He wants to save us from the guilt and punishment of our sins.
I’m reminded of Apostle James’s words: “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. GOOD! But even the demons believe THAT and they shudder.” (2:18-19)
“Blessed is the one who perseveres UNDER TRIAL because, having STOOD the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)
What a SAVIOR! Come LORD JESUS COME! BRING YOUR PERFECT EVERLASTING PEACE AND LIFE!