God Speaks I Listen

2 Timothy 3:1-5(MSG) Don’t be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NIV) For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Luke 21:11(NIV) There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

Matthew 24:8(NIV) All these are the beginning of birth pains.

The floods, earthquakes, fires, pandemic, terror threats, deaths and all the fights and arguments breaking out everywhere is so surreal these days. The suffering of and losses of so many pains our hearts.

A friend of mine said this to me, “I had to limit how much I was watching because it was stealing my peace. I want to be informed but not overwhelmed”. I think we all feel this way. It’s like trying to look at a scary movie with the covers over your face, but still trying to peep at the TV.  This all has been overwhelming to us.

In 2008 I wrote a blog revealing that God told me that things were about to accelerate. I had no idea that it would get to this extreme. But recently I asked God about all the recent event that are way more upsetting than I could have ever imagined.

I had a lot of questions like, why is all this happening? Is Jesus coming back soon? Did we make you upset with our foolishness? If we all humble ourselves, will you let thing go back to normal?  Is there something we can do to fix this? Should we have huge prayer meeting? Should I get a sign that says repent or the is near and stand on the corner of a main street?

For months He didn’t answer and then He spoke to me.  It wasn’t what I wanted to hear but it was what I needed to hear.  He told me not to lean on my own understanding of these things. He also said that His thoughts were higher than my thoughts. I was like, whoa! I totally get that.  His words put me in check. I am a human, and I can’t possibly understand all this evil and suffering. But God understands all that going on and He can handle seeing all the pain, suffering, disobedience, and evildoings. He has supernatural ability to handle all of what’s going in His world that He created.  This mess down here on earth is blowing my mind, but it is not blowing God’s mind.  Only God do something about the kind of loss and suffering that’s happening in this world right now.

So, what can I do?  I just want to help everybody!  But, I can hardly help myself through my own trials at this point.  I want to be of service to God. I want to do more than pray.  I want to help Him save the world! But that is not for me to do at all. That is what Jesus did (save the world) and God has executed His plans for all of our lives.

It is a fact that these are unprecedented times. I’m 69 years old and have seen some difficult and trying times.  But I’ve never seen as many difficult events happening all at one time like this. I’m also amazed at people’s response to all of this. 

1. Some people are deeply affected by this and cry when they see the news of events.
2. Some people are unaffected and just go about their lives. They are like “whatever”.
3. Some people overeat, drink alcohol, do drugs, party hardy and live for today.

Everyone handles things differently.  But what is the right thing to feel, think respond, and do. This is a list that is what I have personally done:

1. My husband and I have been praying for years daily for this world.  When the pandemic started, we asked God to forgive us all and to have mercy on us. There is no other help except from God!!! Prayer is not a suggestion, it is an absolute necessity. It is the #1 thing to do! Remember that God is not a genie in a bottle. We don’t hit Him up for an instant blessing. Humbly and respectfully pray to Him.  We should acknowledge Him as our Father, have an ongoing relationship with Him, thank Him for what He has done for us, praise Him, ask Him for our own needs. Pray for the needs of others, worship Him and ask everything is Jesus’ name. Pray often and continually. This is something we can all do!!!
2. Do what you can financially through your church, in your local community, and nationally. There are great ministries in Haiti (Ask me for the names I give to). Also, the Red Cross, The Catholic Relief Fund and Samaritan’s purse are my go-to.
3. I watch just enough news to stay informed and when I feel it’s too much and it’s affecting me emotionally, I give myself a break.  I also remind myself that God is in charge. I also know that God says not to be anxious or full of fear. I’m responsible for keeping myself encouraged. I need strength, comfort, and peace. The only place to get that is to keep my mind on Jesus and not soaking in the negative things of this world.
4. I have found positive things to occupy my time with. When the pandemic started, I wrote and published a book. I’ve been doing all kinds of crafts. My favorite thing to do, thrift shopping. I Blog and I’m writing my 2^nd book. My husband and I have a ministry we do together. I also Help the best I can with anyone that needs a helping hand.
5. Many people I know have lost their lives because of this virus, and other illnesses and accidents.  It’s important to try hard not to be overtaken by these great loses.  All these people would want us to go on with our lives. So, seek out and accept the comfort from the Holy Spirit. I know family and friends will be there for you too. Get the support you need!
6. My bible is my greatest source of strength! There are also good resources like sermons and teachings on YouTube.  Always go to the sources statement of faith and so you know what their doctrine is.
7. Always be ready to share your faith with someone you meet at the store, doctors’ office or on your job.  People are hurting and need to know the good news of the gospel. What the world needs now is Jesus Christ!

We humans are all going through this difficult time in history together!!! Let’s all be caring and very patient with one another.  Let’s care for those whose lives have been turned upside down.  We will get through this!!! Don’t faint and don’t give up hope!  I know you’re tired of all this!  Donnie McClurkin wrote a great song that will encourage you and give you the push you need to keep pressing on.  It’s on YouTube. The song is called “Stand”.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ” Psalm 23:4

“He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.” Job 5:11

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39