How Should We Prepare For Difficult Times?
2Pet 3:3-12
Getting ready for difficult times… even the end of all things. (1Pet 4:7-8)
Like Israel, America has turned its back of God & sought other gods & worshipped idols.
Unless our nation repents, God will judge America. God’s Word warns of God’s coming judgment. We currently face a recession & bank crisis of unknown proportions.
The birth pangs (war, famines, earthquakes, disease, etc.) that are prophesied to immediately precede Christ’s return are increasingly evident.
Jesus warned of tumultuous times to come & warned that that love would grow cold & that many would turn away from the faith. (Mt 24:6-12)
Storms of difficulties will come, only question is how we will respond. (Mt 7:24-27)
Our response reveals our priorities & our character… may we be found faithful.
It is normal to want to know how we’ll survive the frightful times to come.
Most of us are looking for specifics on how to physically or financially prepare.
Jesus said nothing about how to prepare for loss of home, or job, or crashing economy.
Jesus said take no thought of what we will eat, drink or be clothed… your Father knows your needs. But seek first God & His Kingdom. (Mt 6:31-33)
Focuses isn’t on having needs met, but on importance of preparing our hearts. (2Pet 3:11)
What is in your heart, & who are you becoming as the end times approach?
Basic instructions on how to face difficulties… be clear minded, self-controlled, stay calm no matter what happens, & take it all to God in prayer. (1Pet 4:7)
If we will fix our minds on Christ, He will keep us in perfect peace. (Isa 26:3)
We should be concerned with one thing above all others… love each other deeply. (v.8)
If you want God’s presence & leading thru difficult times, then show unconditional love to one another. That is God’s clear instruction for His church in times of difficulty.
Considering God’s great mercy, & His forgiveness for our past sins, we are to forgive & reach out in mercy to those who have sinned against us.
Do you want to be ready for what’s coming? Ensure you have nothing in your heart (unforgiveness, bitterness, etc.) that hinders the flow of the H Spirit.
Beware: of being more focused on earth than heaven; of teaching that discards hell or downgrades sin; of expending yourself on movements that are not Christ-centered.
We are all inclined to love this world & God is forever luring us away from this world to Himself & His invisible Kingdom. Difficulties help to keep us from the temptation to love & settle for visible things of this world.
We are called to be expectant, ready, faithful servants when Christ returns, so it is essential that we daily seek the fullness of the H Spirit… keep oil in our lamps. (Mt 25:1-13)
The most important preparation for the unknown future… get your heart ready.
If this isn’t dealt with, all other preparations are in vain.
Stay calm… even though the end times is near.
Stay on your knees… trusting & looking to God.
Above all else, practice unceasing mercy & forgiveness, & unconditional love.
Fear not… remember who God is. (Ps 33:4-22; 34:7-19)
When distressed & anxious, set you mind & fix your eyes on Jesus. (Rm 8:5; Heb 12:2)
Fear not… meditate on God’s faithfulness & character. (Gal 2:20; Phil 4:4-8)
God does not cause evil or temptation. (Ja 1:13-17)
He is constantly watching over us. (Ps 34:18)
He has always demonstrated His faithfulness & love. (Jn 3:16; Rm 5:8)
His grace is all sufficient… in our weakness He is strong. (2Cor 12:9-10)
God is with us & will never leave us. (Mt 28:20; Ps 23:4; Heb 13:5)
God’s timing is perfect… even when He appears to be late. (Jn 11:6)
God knows you & cares for you personally. (Ps 8:4; 139:1-4)
God has a plan & purpose for your life. (Jer 29:11-13)
God is sovereign & all wise & good… trust Him!
Though He slay me… yet will I trust in Him. (Job 13:15)
This will result in your being witnesses for Christ. (Lk 21:10-13)
Do you understand & have you experienced what it means to have Christ dwelling in your heart & revealed in your life? (you must have the “baton”)
The central truth of Paul’s preaching is to have Spirit of Christ every day dwelling within them, controlling their whole being, & living out His life in them.
The Christian life is a life in which Jesus Christ Himself absolutely & increasingly lives.
Following His example is nothing but the natural outcome of His presence within.
Jesus came to seek & save the lost… & He’ll do that thru you today.
When the unshakeable crumbles, people are more receptive to the Gospel.
E.g. banking industry collapse, recession, 9-11, Y2K, natural disasters, disease, war
The lukewarm church is part of the problem… Christ calls His church to earnestly repent & seek intimate fellowship with Himself. (Rev 3:14-20)
Difficulties have always been used call His people to repentance & return to Him.
Our current troubles are one more wake up call… will you repent & return to God?
Things will get worse as we approach the end times. (Lk 21:10-13)
Make the most of every opportunity… the days are evil. (Eph 5:15)
Soon you’ll give an account… did you tell others of the judgment to come & the hope of heaven thru Jesus Christ’s love & sacrifice?
10-26-08