Revelation 2:10a English Standard Version (ESV) Do not fear what you are about to suffer.

Conversations have been heard about the future. Preparations are being made to face what a person’s vision is of the near future. Is that vision fear or faith?

History teaches us what man is capable of doing. The bible teaches us what God is capable of doing.

Prophecy isn’t always pretty. Words have been heard; “I don’t want to live to see that.” Words have replied; “I am getting ready now.”

Sadly those words came from two believers who admit to themselves that they do not spend enough time with the Lord. This leads me to believe those words are generated by fear not faith.

Noah prepared for the flood because of faith. A soul prepared for the future seek comfort by faith, not in preparing for a vision created by fear. The interesting part for me is in listening to the conversation that begins with “I think.”

Faith nearly always flies in the face of reason. The bible is full of examples of men that said to God, “I can’t.” God’s reply was “Not to worry, I can.”

This pandemic season has given rise to two camps, panic and prayer. Panic leads us to bad choices, prayer leads us to God’s will. If we can stay in God’s will, we have nothing to fear from an uncertain future. God will do what God does best, love us and abide in us.

What do you hear in conversations? Fear or faith?

2 Timothy 4:16-18 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁶ At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! ¹⁷ But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. ¹⁸ The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Ever dream of rescuing people? There are two types in need of rescue. The first is ignorant of the danger and the second is arrogant in the face of danger. Do we choose who to rescue or is rescue alone the aim? If we knew that one in need of rescue was to kill the innocent in the future, would it give you pause in the effort to rescue? Are the innocent the only ones worthy of rescue?

Looking at today’s quote I am struck with the wording “so that the message might be proclaimed”. We must return to the parable of the sower to understand that we are responsible to spread the message and not concern ourselves with the condition of the hearer. This is the heart of the evangelist. God prepares the heart to receive the Word, not the evangelist.

Granted the easier work is to disciple the saved because they have the eyes and ears to receive and perceive the truth. Discipleship is necessary and I do not dismiss the necessity. It is just safer. Paul speaks to the dangers of evangelism in the first line above, “all deserted me.” True evangelism is not for the faint of heart. It goes where it is needed and unwanted. It faces stern opposition, threats and worse.

We do not get to choose how the Lord might use us. He is Lord and the condition of our hearts is due to His making us what we are to be in service.