Calm Down
One of the strangest quotes of history is that of Thomas Payne during the Revolutionary War Era:
"These are the times that try men's souls."
Payne was not much inclined toward God as existing or having any part in the affairs of man. Yet, he included "soul" in one of his most powerful writings influencing public opinion and the war for independence against Britain.
Move forward 234 years, and let us repeat Payne's words: "These are the times that try men's souls."
Dare anyone project events for the next three years? Is anyone wise enough to give us a certain path for the war in Afghanistan, Irag, terrorism and piracy? No one seems to be standing up with global answers. No one seems to be the messiah that can solve our socio-geo-political-economic-military, et al. issues.
What is God's word for such a time? Did God drop us by a frivolous act of divine whim into a cesspool and quagmire to test our human endurance? Are we pawns of heaven to be tossed around and sacrificed as cheap offerings for the pleasure of deity? Are we but fleshly robots destined to self-destruction?
Read Romans 7 and 8. Paul crossed the bridge long ago. Every generation has had the challenges of sin. What if you were born royalty in time of the French Revolution? What if you were born in Europe during the Bubonic (black) Plague? What if you had been a Jew to be carried to Assyria? What if you had lived in the time of the judges of Israel when every man was "king" in his own eyes?
Oh, I see, you wanted to be Adam and Eve. You think you would not have eaten the apple. OK, so you would have eaten the apple. You would have been expelled from the Garden of Eden, but you would have taken with you your cellphone, sleeping bag, a pistol, and back-pack filled with 30 days of food from the Garden of Eden. Yes, I see.
But you are here. Not there. God chose for you to be born now. God chose to place you in this time. He made you for His glory. He equipped you with the tools that He wants you to use for His Church and His glory.
Calm down. Stop letting people and situations get under your skin. What is with the quick temper and loose tongue? Why are you so frustrated? Do you think God is on vacation? Is your god like Baal? Does your god sometimes sleep, or only come when he wants to?
Why are you getting involved in situations not your own? Why are you owning situations that God will not go with you? Why are you acting like hide is being torn from your back, when you can do nothing about the situation? And clothes on your back, food on your table, a roof over your head, and the peace of God is yours? Calm down.
Oh, I see. You are acting like you have always acted. You have developed long-standing habits. You want to change, but don't know how.
Try this. First, repent of your actions that have left God out. Repent for worrying and frustrating over matters that you have no power to change. Repent that you have not strengthened your faith by reading God's Word, praying, having quiet time, spending time in worship with other believers, and seeking a place of service in the Church.
You will live longer and be happier if you will keep a calm spirit. The Captain is at the helm. He will bring the Ship of Zion, the Church, to shore and present you to the Heavenly Father. Trust him! He has never failed. He has no experience in failure. He cannot fail. He will see you through.
Much love,
Pastor Bare
In your patience possess ye your souls [Luke 21:19].