Are You Here For Such a Time as This?

Sometimes, I dislike that phrase but God gives me hope | Random thoughts | Reader Comments | The Great Commission | Jesus Christ | Christianity

Photo by Marcel Strauß on Unsplash

A Reader’s Observation on the Topic

This past week has been a busy one. I remembered I had archived something a reader had said that I wanted to share with you.

I enjoy hearing from NOC’s readers in the Comments section. One reader responded to a previous post (that mentioned the changes we see in the world) with this:

from “just mud”

We wonder, I wonder, how much crazier? So many generations have slid down this road, in their season. Sara Groves (don't know if you know), has a beautiful song, 'It might be hope' that I play which always stirs. Who is this God that calls us to these places and times? He does not stumble.

My response in the Comments:

Love that song, thank you for sharing it, just mud. Here's the link to her YouTube for future visitors:

If you can’t watch the video, here’s the lyrics from Sara’s website:

It Might Be Hope

You do your work the best that you can
You put one foot in front of the other
Life comes in waves and makes its demands
You hold on as well as you’re able

You've been here for a long, long time

Hope has a way of turning it's face to you
Just when you least expect it
You walk in a room
You look out a window
And something there leaves you breathless
You say to yourself
It's been a while since I felt this
But it feels like it might be hope

It's hard to recall what blew out the flame
It's been dark since you can remember
You talk it all through to find it a name
As days go on by without number

You've been here for a long, long time

Hope has a way of turning it's face to you
Just when you least expect it
You walk in a room
You look out a window
And something there leaves you breathless
You say to yourself
It's been a while since I felt this
But it feels like it might be hope

Focus on God’s Hope

We all are here for such a time as this. God wanted you to be here, now. One day, you’ll know the full story, the why. But for now—no matter what’s going on—there always is hope for you, for His children. His hope. Let’s briefly look at the three things NOC readers said they would like to read on these pages: Whose you are, who you are, and standing firm in spiritual warfare.

Focus on Whose You Are

As the Cajuns say in Louisiana: “Who’s your daddy?” For such a time as this, focus on whose you are. Who you belong to.

No matter where you are as you read this, know these truths and keep them in mind:

• Father God is always on His throne and He adores you

• The tomb where Jesus’ body lay is still empty

• Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords, seated at His Father’s right hand, and He calls you friend

• Holy Spirit is our constant companion, counselor, and advocate who prays for us

He is always with you, especially in these times. God never fails, He always keeps His promises, and that gives us great hope.

Psalm 130: 5-8 (ESV)
⁵ I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
    and in his word I put my hope.
⁶ I wait for the Lord
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning.

⁷ Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
    for with the Lord is unfailing love
    and with him is full redemption.
⁸ He himself will redeem Israel
    from all their sins.

Have these words become too familiar to you? If yes, embrace them as if you are hearing them for the very first time.

Focus on Who You Are

God’s word is a treasure chest of verses that explain who we are in Christ Jesus. For today and this week, take time and focus on this:

John 15: 12:17 (ESV)
¹² “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command you. ¹⁵ No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. ¹⁷ These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

You are Jesus’ friend. Wow!!

Focus on Who You’re Fighting

Before we can arm ourselves with God’s armor to fight effectively in spiritual warfare—for such a time as this—we need to remember constantly who our true enemies are.

Ephesians 6:10-12 (ESV)
¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Our true enemies are the unseen spiritual entities that surround us and not our fellow human beings. In the heat of any moment, when we’re struggling in life, it’s easy and convenient to strike out at who we can see vs. wresting against those we cannot see.

Dear friends, yes, you and I were born for such a time as this. [ Esther 4:14 ]

And, God is our constant hope as we live through these times. Look for His hope every day. It’s there. Train the eyes of your heart to see His hope.

Your Turn

Much to think about this week, dear readers.

• Your hope is in God’s amazing love and His redeeming grace. These words of truth are your lifeline in such a time as this. Take time this week to meditate on His love and His grace during your quiet time.

• Jesus calls you His friend. How can this truth change your life?

• You have many unseen spiritual enemies (as do I), and they influence what’s going on in our world—and in your daily life. How can you better partner with God against them, and not against your fellow humans? (Pray for your fellow humans.)

Maranatha, come Lord Jesus.

Soli Deo Gloria!

If you’re a not-yet follower of Jesus Christ, please come along on this journey with us. You are welcome here.

And, I invite you to read my series on the book “What Does God Want?”.

Conversation & Community

What thoughts do you have about this post? What verses from God’s word would you like to share?

As always, feel free to send me an email:

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