No Apologies Round Two

"Few if any recent generations could sit with a Bible in one hand and their newspapers in the other and see the fulfillment of prophecy, but for us it’s almost routine." Jack Kelly

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Are We Ready to Man the Battle Stations? All Hands On Deck

Here were are again, the day after the most important election in our nation's recent history.  Much of the nation, the red parts anyway, are reeling.  What happened?  Too much, which I don't want to rehash now.  What's done is done.  Now it is time for us know what to do now. 

Those of you who know me, know that as I get older, my mind and heart are more on the place that Jesus is preparing for His own.  I do understand though that we are still in the world, and as long as we are, we are still needing to fight for what's right and true.   I want to go back and look at something I posted in January of 2010.  I have had this on my mind much these past few days, and I believe it is as important now as it was back then....
Sometimes I don't know if my imagination is running away with me. Most times, I know that there are things going on which most people would say I'm crazy for believing in. Others, like me, know that times are coming, times foretold about, which are real and not just a figment of an overactive imagination.

My favorite books and movies are the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.  Any time I read (or watch) I see so much of a parallel between our reality and the struggle for middle earth, which in the fantasy, the victory over evil was helped to be won by a small group of folk, among them future king, an elf, dwarf, regal men and 4 small hobbits. The thing which makes this victory so incredible is not just the mighty men who fought, but the small, seeming quiet and insignificant hobbits, which without them, middle earth would have been lost and been subject to the evil master Sauron. These little folk knew that they weren't built for battle, and had never imagined life outside of their comfortable "Shire". They never would have believed that they would be used in such mighty ways in which to destroy the evil which was ready to take over the world.

What I appreciate so much about this movie is not necessarily the fight of good vs. evil. More in the character of those who fought. These characters were not usually brothers in arms- example, dwarfs and elves were almost enemies, and men were not high on the list of either race. Hobbits were unknown to many men, and thought insignificant by most others. With the fellowship of the ring, these folk were brought together by a purpose much larger than themselves, and knowing that the future of middle earth depended on their purpose, they banded together to do what they didn't want to have to do.

Loyalty to one another was the biggest part, because without loyalty, they would not be able to fight alone in singular battles. Bravery- to go into the heat, not knowing the outcome, but going anyway, because to run away was unthinkable. Courage to fight for something, believing though that the odds were so great for failure, but doing it anyway. Love- to put their lives before their friends, because death is temporary, but love lasts forever.

In our life time, we are seeing so many things coming into the world, which eventually will change the world as none have ever imagined. Those of us who know the prophecies and trust in the One who wrote them know that good will win, that evil will be thwarted for ever. Those of us who trust in the prophecies of the Bible- and the Word of God, have a choice. We can sit back and let others do the jobs in which our Lord asks all of His to do, or we can go boldly forward to battle. What we do will not bring about prophecies any faster, nor will whatever we do slow down the time of the end. All we can do is do whatever our Lord calls us to do- the rest is all in His time.

Will I ever be asked to go forward in the front of battle? I have no idea really. I know sometimes I feel like I'm tired of living a quiet life- seeming insignificant, never really moving away from my comfort zone. I have yet to really have need to show or act courageously. Loyal and showing love? I sure hope so- but that's something that I won't know the full impact on anything until my part is done.I hope I can know my role- if I hear and obey my Lord's battle plans for me. I don't want to go into the heat of the battle, the front lines- but if it is required, I pray that I can go with hope and courage, the strength of Jesus going before me. Much like the Lady Eowen, I want to go if asked- if only my Lord would ask me, because I don't want to live out my life in comfortable obscurity, which is expected of most people these days. I don't want to go into battle- but I don't want to sit back and give up either. The Bible talks about everyone who is in the Body of Christ. I may only be a toe- small, usually ignored or insignificant, but if there's a pain in the toe- the whole body is effected. I want to be where the Lord asks me to be. Am I ready to listen to Him? Are you?
Will I be able to stand- much like Stephen, before the persecutors who kill me? Will I be able to stand and show Christ while in chains like Paul? The thought of those things make me afraid- but the outcome, I know that is where what hope I have lies. I pray I can live for Christ- with loyalty, be in chains for Him with bravery and courage, show His love when I am in death for His sake. What about you my brothers and sisters?

Frodo asks Sam, "What are we fighting for Sam?" "We're fighting for what's good in the world Mr. Frodo.
Jesus tells us this world will pass- but we need to fight for what's good in the next. The only good- Jesus, whom so many still do not know or believe. We need to fight for them. I don't want to be quiet anymore.

Fear not my fellow soldiers.  We might not have the physical strength of our awesome military, but we are still soldiers none the less.  We will stand and go where the Lord leads us.  Whether that means to fight for this nation, to bring her back from these times, which Thomas Paine once described as, Times which try men's souls.  Or we will fight for the souls of the people who long been blind.

Finally, my brothers and sisters, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
Ephesians 6:10-17



Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Psalm 9:9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

1 comment:

Heli gunner Tom said...

This is a very cool/ good post, Carolyn!! Please forward all your future blog posts to me ASAP, so I don't miss any of them. I love and treasure your Christian ministry, dear sister in Christ.

Warm Regards,
Tom and Terri Schuckman
Iron Mtn., MI 49801
tschuckman@aol.com
Disabled Vietnam Veteran: 68-70.