In Florida, United States, where I live, hurricane preparedness is on
everyone's mind in June. Insurance agents and politicians constantly tell us
to stock up on plywood, batteries, duct tape and bottled water. Meanwhile
local weather forecasters offer a daily dose of dire predictions about how
many storms will slam our coasts. This year the warnings seem more ominous
because we are already facing other storms.
On the economic front, the mortgage crisis and high gas and food prices have
squeezed families to a breaking point. On the tense political front, we've
been polarized by an agonizingly drawn-out campaign that feels like it
should be over by now but hasn't even really started.
A perfect storm is also brewing on the spiritual front. Although there are
reports of revival breaking out in some localities (and we hope and pray
that this spreads), there's no question we are in a desperate crisis.
"A lot of Christians I know are becoming weary. The normal trials of life
have been multiplied in the current season."
Many ministries are in a financial slump. Conference attendance is down.
Young people are boycotting church to explore faith on their own. And
numerous high-profile ministers have suffered moral failures. Last week I
learned about another popular minister who decided to leave his wife and
family for another woman. Even mature leaders who once led congregations
into the presence of God are backsliding.
That's why I turned to the book of Hebrews a few days ago and plan to stay
there for a while. These sobering words, penned by an anonymous apostle,
challenged early disciples (who were considering leaving the faith) to hold
tightly to Christ amid disappointment, discouragement, persecution and
apostasy. The author exhorts us to take several steps to avoid shipwreck:
1. Stay in the stronghold of God's presence.
Hebrews 4:16 says: "Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace,
so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (NASB).
No matter how hard the winds blow outside, the throne room is a secure
place. We must learn to abide in the only true stormproof shelter.
When David was fleeing Saul, he endured his trials by making the Lord's
presence his daily habitation. David wrote most of his psalms while battling
fear, frustration and despair. Yet he maintained his authority (and
eventually inherited the kingdom) because he maintained his praise, worship
and intercession. So we must spend more time with the Lord when our
circumstances tell us to work harder, worry more and pray less. Only in His
presence do we see an accurate picture of how big God is compared to our
problems.
2. Throw out your anchor and set your heart on Jesus.
It's interesting that no one really knows who wrote Hebrews. Some scholars
have suggested Paul (even though it differs from his other writings),
Barnabas, Apollos and even Priscilla.
I doubt we will solve this mystery until all of heaven's secrets are
revealed in eternity. But although we may not know the author, we know the
Author. Jesus is described in Hebrews as "the author of [our] salvation"
(2:10) and "the author and finisher of our faith" (12:2, NKJV). He must
become our central focus if we intend to complete this journey.
Hebrews tell us that our hope in Jesus Christ is "an anchor of the soul, a
hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil" (6:19,
NASB). Are you anchored in Christ, or are you tossed here and there by
people's opinions, waves of doctrine or emotional highs?
Many Christians today run from one meeting to the next, or from conference
to conference, to get a word from a prophet or to spend yet another 10
minutes on the floor getting another dose of the anointing. Yet when high
winds come, will we stand? Hebrews says our ability to endure is directly
tied to our grounding in Jesus alone.
3. Offer a lifeline of encouragement to others.
In warning the early disciples about the perils of unbelief, the author of
Hebrews says: "But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is
still called 'Today,' so that none of you will be hardened by the
deceitfulness of sin" (3:13). In other words, when the storm is blowing we
should not only find shelter ourselves but also work to protect our brothers
and sisters.
This passage tells us that some people actually walk away from the faith
because of discouragement. The storm can get so dark and the clouds so heavy
that people faint. Temptation can become so intense that those in isolation
become casualties. It is in our power to speak a word that will lift their
spirits, overcome fear, vanquish the devil's lies and inspire fresh faith.
If you need encouragement, try giving some away. It will come back to you.
4. Weather the storm to the end.
A lot of Christians I know are becoming weary. The normal trials of life
have been multiplied in the current season. Right now I am praying with (1)
a woman whose husband has chosen to live in adultery; (2) a father whose son
was recently arrested for armed robbery; (3) a family that has been
fractured because of mental illness; (4) a pastor whose daughter has turned
away from God; and (5) a couple struggling to pay their bills because of the
real estate crisis. Everywhere I look people are being battered by life's
hardships.
The book of Hebrews exhorts us: "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud
of witnesses, surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and
the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race
that is set before us" (12:1). Heaven cries out: Hang on no matter what!
I want to encourage you today: This storm will not last forever. You will
emerge on the other side of this trial, and you will be stronger because the
Lord stood by your side. Don't give up. His promise is guaranteed. If you
will praise Him in the midst of the raging tempest, and wait patiently for
His intervention, He will send His grace, fight your battles, slay your
giants, rebuke the devourer, grant your inheritance and reward your
faithfulness.
Useful link: www.charismamag.com/
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