Hmm, a warming trend is in the forecast, chances of a white Christmas are poor, and winter begins today, what is going on? Christmas still arrives on Wednesday. The warmer weather will help people to travel far and near. A bit of a warm up in the winter is not at all unusual around these parts. So, maybe there is nothing to worry over. When we read the Revelation, the forecast certainly looks bad for quite a while. Plagues, vials, trumpet judgments, and a lot of suffering are prophesied for the earth. Yet, if we endure to the end, then the promise arrives with joy and healing in His wings.
Often, and I think that I go only a short distance out on the proverbial limb here, we must endure a time of suffering to reach the peak of peace, joy, and reward in Christ. In fact, that pretty much describes the life we have after saying 'Yes!' to Jesus at the salvation altar*. Maybe 'often' is an understatement in this case. Come to think of it, Jesus forecast our life exactly in John 16:33b. "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." We are reminded of this often. To enjoy a feast for Christmas dinner, much work in preparation and cooking is done first. To enjoy a time with family or friends, we must often endure a journey. To enjoy eternity with Jesus, we must endure a lifetime first.
Now, that sounds just dreadful! While enduring this lifetime though, we are not alone on the journey. Jesus promised to never leave us nor forsake us. Indeed, His Holy Spirit travels and endures with us, even to the point of intercession for us with God our Father. Without the strength of Christ in us, none would complete the journey. There is peace, joy, and love in this world too. I don't think our dear Holy Spirit could travel anywhere without those wonderful qualities.
Enjoy a wonderful Christmas weekend!Bucky
* A metaphorical place for our acceptance of grace, not a physical location or piece of furniture.
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