Practice

To say I have a feeling about this, that isn't quite right. I do have a feeling, but it's a feeling, plus all this other stuff- more important stuff.

My feeling is that we have a time of trouble ahead of us. I cannot say just what this trouble is, or to what degree we will suffer through this trouble, except that I know God wants us to be aware of the impending "rough patch."

We know the economy isn't good. We know people are already struggling. If you think that things will never get to a point of desperation- to the point where you can't drive 5 minutes to a grocery store and have aisles upon aisles of food to choose from, or forget driving because the price of gas will be astronomical...all the things we take for granted could cease to be at our disposal. The leisurely life of Americans is NOT impervious to real struggle. To think we will never have to deal with hunger the way they do in Africa or any other poor nation is folly.

I cannot say with any absolute certainty that we will have to deal with that, however, I would like to turn to the important part of this message, of which you can judge for yourselves whether or not we are in for some real trouble or not.

God is telling us to prepare, in more ways than one, but in this, most important, absolutely imperative way: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, LEAN NOT on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."
Leaning on our own understanding causes us to make all sorts of bad decisions. If we lean on our own understanding in times of great trouble, we fall prey to all sorts of bad reactions: panic, despair, anger, hopelessness, apathy, cynicism.

What God is asking us to do is Trust Him Completely- for everything. From the smallest little detail of life, to our most dire, immediate needs. Seek God's will in everything, listen for His voice in every move you make- Your kids, your health, your habits, your marriage, your favorite TV show, your hairstyle, the flowers in your garden, the career you choose, the time you spend with your family, the way you drive your car, the shirt you wore today, the color you want to paint your living room, the tone of voice you use when speaking to your mother, the radio station you tune in to, the way you treat the cashier at the grocery store...are you getting the picture? There isn't a moment in your life that God doesn't want in on! The verse says, "In ALL YOUR WAYS acknowledge Him..."

That is the key to living a life of peace that passes all understanding. We must reach that point. Some of you folks sitting here today- and I don't know who, but some of you either intentionally or unintentionally have made God a supplement to your life instead of the CENTER. I am telling you today, if you think that might be you, it is really time to get down to some serious spiritual business and "Seek first the Kingdom of God." If you think there are things you just have to take care of on your own, you are wrong, wrong, wrong. The verse says, "Seek first the Kingdom of God- and all these things will be added unto you." You will find everything you need in Christ, and then some. Trust in this, hear the Word and trust in it!! God doesn't need to be the center of our lives for His sake- it's for OUR sake. We need Him!!

So is that it? The message is hunker down in the Spirit because trouble is ahead? No, there's more. And this is very important.

The reason God is telling us to prepare now is this: If we can become steadfast in the Lord now, once the trouble starts, we will be a beacon of hope for those who are completely lost. We must be that hope, they must see the strength of Christ within us! If you are under the impression that in times of great trouble, it's every man for himself- get rid of that idea NOW. We are the people of God and we must act like it- or the Lord isn't going to recognize us. We take care of each other so well- this church is a loving, caring church with no equal. If you feel put off asking for help in this church- I am telling you now, don't. We were placed here in this moment, together, for this very purpose. We are the Body of Christ- so we must look like Him in the world. Always helping- always giving- always blessing- each other and those in need around us.

The Lord has a plan for all of us. We must choose to take part. We sang these words today: "To you, I give my life. Not just the parts I want to. To you I sacrifice these dreams that I hold on to." We must live those words, and hold them in our heart at all moments. God is sovereign, our hope, our joy, our strength, the center, the rock, the beginning and the end. It is time for us to live that truth, and for others to see us living it out with infectious passion. Whatever you think is the purpose of your life, I guarantee you it is this: to trust, obey, worship, and love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. Are you ready to let that be your life? I'm telling you today, if you are not ready, get ready.

And I leave you with this last verse that I pray will give you hope and encouragement: Our Lord says, "Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not despair, for I am your God."