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Staying Focused in the Chaos

Back in 2015, we wrote a series of articles based on the theme, A Storm is Coming, eventually collecting and publishing the series as an eBook. At the time, many were preparing physically for what they expected to be an economic storm (myself included). A Storm is Coming was written to redirect our attention to the spiritual preparation Christians should be making.

What follows is a reconstruction of one of the first articles in the series. It is offered as a reminder that preparation is necessary for those who will be used by God during the chaos that lies before us. As the chaos intensifies, we must be diligent to avoid worldly distractions (Colossian 3:2), that we might focus on participating with God as He works in us to will and to do to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).

It’s the Same, but Different

We must recognize that the spiritual preparation we are talking about is something we, as Christians, should have been doing anyway. There is nothing new under the sun. The church today is suffering in many of the same ways it has suffered over the past 2000+ years (e.g., division, apathy, worldliness). The solutions, though daunting, are unchanged (e.g., surrender, die to self, love God and love others, sacrifice, serve).

However, there are least two things that are different for the church during this season. First, there is a growing urgency. Whether from those that sense a storm is coming, or from those that have experienced the slow but growing decline of the church’s influence in society, those that will take their heads out of the sand and truly consider the situation will sense the growing urgency.

Secondly, this urgency has created, and will continue to create, a new type of opportunity. As the American idol continues to disappoint its worshippers (including us Christians), the life of Christ will be seen in those who have built their houses on a solid foundation (Matthew 7:24-25). Those that will shore up their foundation, by hearing and doing the sayings of Jesus, will become houses of refuge in the coming storm.

Hopefully, we will not be like the people who lived below a dam, meeting regularly to discuss the cracks, but continuing to live as if the dam would never fail. The foolish man knows what is right, but doesn’t take action. The wise man stops investing in what is passing away. We must lay up treasures in heaven. We must buy the truth. May we be found “dressed in readiness with our lamp’s lit”.

Storms from God are Good

Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. Daniel 11:32-33a

… 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. For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:26-29

A significant step in our spiritual preparation is our willingness to embrace the storm as something for the church; and something that will be good for us. The storm is for the church – for the preparation of His Bride – because the church is for the Son. The storm will be exactly what is needed; nothing more or less.

The storm that we speak of is not the continued rise of social ills (e.g., homosexuality, abortion, greed). The storm that is coming to the church is God’s judgment on our weakness and compromise. The storm is a loving Father’s chastening, rebuke, and scourging, that His children might:

  1. Confess and repent
  2. Lay aside every weight and sin
  3. Become radically holy
  4. Serve God reverently
  5. Allow the storm to purify

The storm will shake individuals, church fellowships, and denominations (Hebrews 12:27). There will be a falling away. There will also be a renewal of the remnant, for the shaking will test and strengthen their abiding in Christ, His word, and His love.

Storms and fires are necessary to bring life to forests that have been poorly attended. We need to recognize why the storm is needed. Now is the time to begin removing what does not belong. It will be less painful to do so before the storm and fire arrive.

God bless you with the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, that you might experience the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe.

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob

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