Dismayed?
Are you dismayed about current events? I can’t imagine you said anything but “Yes!” Well, I am too. I wish it were otherwise. But it isn’t.
As I write this, the terrorist attacks in NY, NJ, and Minnesota just occurred. By the time this is posted, there may be more. What are we to do?
What are we to do?
The Lord of the Rings is my all-time favorite work of fiction. In it, an evil force arises, putting Frodo right in the middle. He was dismayed as well.
Frodo: “I wish it need not have happened in my time.”
Gandalf: “So do I, and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” (The Fellowship of the Ring, p. 50)
Decide. Walk. Honor the Lord.
The Lord, for whatever reason, chose to place us in these difficult times. He has a purpose for us, right now, in this world. We “just” need to decide how to walk through these challenges in a way that honors Him.
There have always been difficulties facing Christians. While the current times are evil, our decisions should be grounded as they always have been.
For the child of God, one who has repented and believes/trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ, (see Becoming a Child of God), here are some underpinnings of decision-making:
- Remember that God, Almighty God, Creator God, Sovereign God, is in control. That includes everything that touches you and your loved ones. Sovereign God chose the date of your birth. (See When Storms Come: Will You Be Ready? Part I.)
- Remember the Father is working on you and in you to make you into the image of His Son, and will bring you to heaven holy and blameless before Him.
- Remember He has work for you to do. The specifics of your work were prepared in advance.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
- Keep learning about God from His Word, and as He shows you Himself through your obedience.
- Keep listening to Him and praying for wisdom about what to say and do.
- Cultivate an attitude of gratitude—including that He chose you to serve Him in these difficult times.
- As He tells you to act, step out courageously, trusting Him.
Lord!
Lord, thank You that You chose me to serve You in these evil times. Please help me be faithful to You, entrusting myself to Your wisdom and protection, and courageously obeying You. I want so much to “walk in a manner worthy of You.” I know I cannot do it in my own strength, but nothing is impossible with You. Help me continuously rely on You for the ability to serve You. I rejoice that You are with me, and that You will never leave me or forsake me.
