Few would argue that we are living in very turbulent times, particularly for the Body of Christ. Radical terroristic religions continue to martyr Christians at an accelerating rate. Persecution of Christians in the so-called Free World continues to grow. The world economy is threatened with collapse (what’s to become of our “prosperity”?). Mainline churches in America are declining at alarming rates; and the future looks dim as most young people see the church as – no, not irrelevant – but, unchristian (check out the book of the same title).
The Lord is allowing our lives to be threatened and disturbed in order to show us the strength (or weakness) of our relationship with Him. He seems to be asking, “Are you being shaken?”
Hebrews 12:26-28 makes it clear that there are two kingdoms, one that is being shaken and one that cannot.
… but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
Psalm 112:6-7 tells us, “Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous will be in everlasting remembrance. He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.”
What affect are these turbulent times having on you? Are you being shaken? Then, beware! The Lord is trying to show you something: You are either of the worldly “shake-able” kingdom, or you are attached to enough shake-able kingdom things that you are feeling the effects. If the former, please, please, please, reassess your allegiance. Have you traded in God’s dream for the American dream? Scripture is clear – there are those that will be deceived by the ruler of this world, and fall away from the faith.
If you feel you are secure the “kingdom which cannot be shaken”, now is the time to let go of all that is negatively impacting your relationship with Him. You may recall Christ telling Peter that the Lord had given Satan permission to sift him (Luke 22). Satan thought he would catch Peter, but God knew that he would catch all that was not Peter. God has a plan to prosper you – with a prosperity that is eternal. He is a Dream Giver (another of my favorite books).
We are in perilous times. Some would say the “End Times”. Whatever the time, it is always time to accept His plan and embrace His dream. “For our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:29)
Dying to experience His glory,
Rob