Looking Ahead!

Looking Ahead!

Romans 8 : 18 AMP

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not worth being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us and for us and conferred on us!

We live in strange times. These times place different demands on different people at different times. The times are referred to as 'the perilous times', and have been extensively covered by different teachings across different genre and dispensations. Daniel, Exekiel and Malachi spoke about these times in the old testament, and Jesus, Peter, James and John the Beloved all spoke about these times in the new testament. This means that the truth about these times do not respect time, earnings, wealth, influence, connections or anything else. It is a truth I have to learn about, determine what God wants me to know and what He expects from me. One thing God makes clear about these perilous times is that there will be a price to pay anyone who dares to follow Him closely. Nowhere does God promise a life free of trouble and tough times. What he promises me is a life full of His presence, provision and protection. I must know that I cannot go through this life without His help. I will fail woefully. 

The pressure may not always be obvious, but it will always be pressing. There is temptation to blend in and just follow the tide. There is pressure to compromise once in a while, because the time requires it. There is the desire to once in a while give in to the heart's desires based on what the senses perceive, and this is why we speak about total and absolute surrender to God. I cannot make it on my own, and just depending on my physical or emotional strengths will not cut it. With God, I have this assurance that nothing down here was built to last except that which is eternal. As long as this earth gives you, you cannot take it with you. Only that which God does or gives abides forever, and the biggest work of God is that which He births and sustains in the heart of a man who is totally surrendered to Him. That is the basis of the hope that allows me to look ahead and forward to all that God is able to do. He secures both the present and the future. God's time of favour is here.