This past week may have been a blessing. A time to spend with family, get yard work done, read a book, cook something new, sleep in or a myriad of other things. For some people, it may have been the complete opposite. Perhaps you had a family member or close friend in the hospital, and you could not visit, struggled with depression from feeling disconnected, had overwhelming fear invading your mind or lost your job. Whether you found yourself in the first group or the second, perspective changes everything!
There is no doubt that this season we are in is extremely hard. The uncertainty and constant news can overwhelm even the strongest of people. But God. Just like Revelation 20 shows us, God uses the worst circumstances in our favor. In verses 7-8 of Revelation, we see Satan being released to rule - “And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth…” He does what he has always done - deceives people and gets them to focus on themselves so they are not focusing on God. He blinds them from the truth and tries to overthrow the church, God’s people. However, although “their number is like the sand of the sea” as verse 8 tells us, never bet against God! For verse 10 tells us “…and the devil and who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” In the end, God wins and so do those who place their trust in Him. Isn't that exciting? Satan and all of evil will rule no more. Keeping that perspective and living with the end in mind will help as we go through the days and weeks ahead.
When John wrote Revelation 20, those whose faith was in Jesus were being challenged to live that faith out … even in the face of death. John’s revelation was a source of encouragement and hope. It does the same for us today. Don’t you long for things in our world to be made right? To be free of the enemy who tries to steal your joy? To be free of illness, such as the coronavirus? Revelation shows us that this victory will be an incredible day. The Prince of Peace will reign. Truth, love, joy and peace will be ushered in and He will make all things new. This perspective helps us persevere and, so that one day we can say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
This Week: Begin a gratitude journal if you do not already have one. Write down the good you see each day. Look for God in new ways … even in the midst of the coronavirus. This practice will help shift your perspective and see God working daily.
Quotes
“To ignore the fact that you are going to die is ignorance.”
“The only reason God still allows evil to exist is because He is being patient with people. He is giving everyone the opportunity to repent and turn to Him.”
“The picture of tomorrow should impact you today.”
“When Christ returns it will be an incredible day! His reign will usher in health, truth, love, joy and integrity. He will make things as they out to be. He will make all things new.”
-Dr. J