Acts 4:13(NASB) Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were marveling, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.
Acts 13:2-3(NASB) And while they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Exodus 33:15-16(NASB) Then he said to Him, “If Thy presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here. For how then can it be known that I have found favor in Thy sight, I and Thy people? Is it not by Thy going with us, so that we, I and Thy people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth?”
I sometimes catch myself pondering, even to the point of brooding, about events in the news and corresponding Bible prophecies. We indeed live in challenging times; just as Our Lord told us these days would be. Once in a while I entertain the notion that I should have been born in a different, more
acceptable age. However, I cannot think of any past generations that were totally free of turmoil. Each has had its share of troublesome issues. I guess this is where I belong. It must be. It is where God Himself has placed me. I was born for ‘such a time as this’ and so were you; so, we might as well use our lives to
glorify Him through our thoughts and responses to what takes place. However, considering their magnitude, the events that loom are not ones we can prepare for single-handedly. In fact, just pondering our future is more than we can handle on our own; even with biblical insight and instruction. How then
can we face all that may await us confidently?
In the above scriptures, three imperatives braid together to form a secure tether for the people of God who desire to function within His perfect will. 1) God’s presence is sought. 2) His directives are given and received. 3) The people of God continue to seek God’s presence and instructions; not stopping to do so just because they have an answer. An answer to prayer is rendered somewhat ineffective when expected to stand on its own merit apart from the ongoing presence of God. We do not simply need God’s answers, strength and encouragement in order to navigate our times. We need God Himself! When we are with Our Lord, we can live with confidence despite any challenges we face.
Dear Father, thank You for allowing me to take part in the history making process of planet earth. Considering the full scope of human events, it amazes me that my part even matters! I do not understand every nook and cranny of what is taking place these days. Even though I have read Your prophecies, Your plans for our world are far more complex than I am able to grasp. I am just me, not You. My understanding is so limited! I only see dimly what part my life plays in the overall story of mankind. I don’t trust myself to get it all right, and thankfully You do not trust me to that extent either. After all, self-rule is what spoils our world.
I do realize this is my temporary home. I am so grateful You came to my world as Immanuel; God with us in the flesh; and I love that Your Holy Spirit stays with me. You did not just leave me to figure life out on my own! Now, in Jesus name, please help me to stay with You. Please help me to confidently take good care of Your personal interests while I am here. Thank you Lord! Amen