Preparing the Way of the Lord

by Karin Paparelli

Spring in New York. Change hovers over Long Island as crocuses are seen sprouting up under the frosty earth. It is a time of new growth, new life. The earth renews itself as it has for thousands of years as caterpillars become butterflies and eggs hatch into ducklings, goslings and chicks. With this sense of renewal we are reminded of the new life offered to us through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. For just as sure as a seed planted in early spring promises to produce fruit in season, so too was Christ a seed planted and buried for us that in season we may all bear eternal fruit. And just as the earth is renewed as the seeds take root so too are we renewed as the good seed of the word of the Lord takes root in our lives, and our spirits grow. These changes are anticipated, expected. There are others that are quite sudden.

I believe the Lord is taking us into a season of suddenlys. The Y2K, the new millennium, talk of economic collapse, social and moral bankruptcy, famines, pestilence, earthquakes and floods, terrorism, persecution. Of course we also have healing, resurrections, miraculous signs and wonders, prophecies, the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit as never before and the greatest harvest of souls in history. It is all on the horizon. Change is on the horizon and you don't need to be a Christian to see it. But just as we prepare for spring by packing up the winter coats and cleaning out the house, we can also prepare for the rapid changes about to occur. There are practical preparations each of us can make as the Lord leads, but I am more concerned with the spiritual preparations.

The possibility for fear and mass confusion is real. The world around us will be scrambling to find safety and shelter from the storms. We are not to be as they. For we are not of the world, merely in it. The Lord is about to shake all of the foundations of man, and the only security is in Him. If you have neglected His word, now is the time. If you have been too hurried to spend time in His presence, now is the time. If you have never been one to pray for extended periods, now is the time to learn. Have you never heard His voice? Take time to sit and listen now. Because when chaos strikes, when the voices around us scream in fright, when the world has nothing left to offer, that will be the time to know and obey the voice of the good shepherd. "He has not given us a spirit of fear" (2Tim 1:7) . "He will never leave us nor forsake us" (Deut 31:6). He has promised to take care of us, to shelter us, to provide for us and to save us (Proverbs 3:25-26) Do you know His promises? Can you stand upon them in times of trouble? Have you hidden His word in your heart? His peace will transcend the hysteria around us. And as that peace takes residence in your heart, others will be drawn to you, and your savior.

The word says that as the darkness grows ever darker, so the light of Christ will burn even brighter. The Lord will be revealed in amazing ways in these coming times. Will you be ready? This is not to give you fear, on the contrary we need to be full of courage. The Lord desires for us to be prepared for this coming age. These are the days the saints of old longed to see. Do you have faith to raise the dead? To restore sight to the blind? Can you say as Peter said, " Silver and gold have I none but such as I have give I thee, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk", and the lame shall leap with joy? It has already begun. There have been reports from places such as Mexico and India where the Lord is using His servants to do such things as these and more. The Lord is raising up an army, an army of believers who will be over-comers. Who will walk by faith and not by sight in all that they do. You may be saying not me Lord, send someone else. Do not fret, He will not send the fainthearted into battle. He has and continues to prepare those who will enter the battlefield. He has also appointed those who will stay at the camp. Each will have it's position and purpose, and neither will be exalted. The only place of honor belongs to our Lord Jesus.

Well, what do we do right now to prepare for that which we know not? No one knows for sure what extent of damage these changes will bring or even when they shall befall us, so how can we be ready? First and foremost we need to each be in a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the only way we will be saved. If you do not know Him personally ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Pray a simple prayer of unbelief such as, "God if you are really real, if Jesus is truly your son please show me". God honors those honest prayers and He will be faithful to answer you. Next draw close to the Lord by reading His word daily and fellow- shipping with Him through prayer and worship. By His word our spirits are fed (we will all need strong healthy spirits to overcome what lies ahead). By spending time in His presence in prayer, we begin to hear and recognize His voice. This will be essential in the times to come. He will need to give us directions and instructions of His provision and each will need to know that voice personally. It is also important to worship the Lord. Spend some time every day just singing His praises. You don't need a lot of time, put on a praise tape in the car as you run errands or travel to work. Keep the spirit of worship in your home by filling your house with praise music. It is said that God inhabits the praises of His people. Invite Him into your home, into your car, into your life, every day.

God wants us to be prepared. He has a plan for everyone who calls upon His name. Stay close to the shepherd and He will protect you and guide you. Do not wander away from the flock (easy pickings). Change is inevitable. The world has been changing since the beginning and will continue until our Lord's return. Don't run from it, don't deny it, embrace it. As the Lord said, "When you see these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28). But also remember to "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap...Be always on the watch, and pray..." (Luke21:34&36).

May you walk in His grace. Thy kingdom Come!

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