No one can deny, unless one is a part of the groups that have aligned themselves with the pursuit of a destructive agenda, that we have now entered an era in which evil and deception abound everywhere.
There is massive confusion, oppression and lawlessness being orchestrated by a small group of elitists in the highest positions, to seize global power and control for their nefarious purposes.
The unprecedented times in which we live these days can either take a significant toll on our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health, or provide a catalyst for the development of godly character, patience, determination and strength through a new life in Christ.
Our actions and decisions in response to the life-shaking circumstances that the modern world as we know it has never experienced before the virus was unleashed that caused this pandemic, and the subsequent global shut-down with its massive downstream health, economic and societal impact, will spell the difference between these two potential outcomes.
Below is a divine roadmap that will point us to God's powerful intervention in our lives, at a time when we need it the most.
1. We need to put our trust in God who is the Creator and Master of the universe.
Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose". This is one of my favorite verses from Scripture which provides the assurance that God is very much in control over the lives of those who trust in Him as Sovereign God.
Putting our faith in the hands of men and women who are leaders in government, health agencies, civic groups, cultural movements and even church organizations will ultimately lead to disappointment, strife, divisions and a feeling of despair, as their decisions and guidance are based on human wisdom and judgment that are not infallible.
We are to respect their authority and the knowledge they bring to their positions of leadership, but God's perfect wisdom should always supersede.
2. Godly sorrow from circumstances spiraling out of control, and our negative responses to them resulting in internal turmoil, should lead us to repent and admit that we are all sinners in need of God's redemptive grace.
Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Genuine repentance for sinning against a righteous God produces a change of heart and much needed transformation in our lives. When we humble ourselves before God and admit our deepest need for His forgiveness and grace (which is God's gift of love, kindness and mercy), turning away from our sins as an act of our will, He changes our hearts and regenerates us inside out.
The key is to have humility and admit that, as smart as we think we are, none of us are at the same level of power as God and we are all in desperate need of His grace over our lives.
3. Believe in our hearts that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried and raised by God from the dead.
Mark 16: 6 " Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him." Jesus' death, burial and resurrection was the central part of God's plan of redemption for our fallen world.
When we choose to believe in the powerful resurrection of Jesus, we activate the new life that God gives us by the very same power that raised Jesus from the dead. This same power removes burdens from worry and stress, and destroys yokes of bondage to fear and anxiety that lead to all forms of oppression such as substance abuse, mental anguish, illness, hatred, anger and violence.
4. Act on the resurrection power that sets us free from sin, shame and death by surrendering our lives to God.
Romans 8:11 - "And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of] His Spirit who lives in you." The most important decision we can make is to fully surrender and commit our lives to God in order to receive the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus.
His resurrection power equips us with supernatural authority to live victoriously over our circumstances in this temporal and degenerating world, and assures our eternal salvation. The biggest risk one can take in life is to deny that there are eternal consequences to spiritual decisions we make to either shut God out of our lives, or submit in obedience to His authority.
5. Call upon the name of the Lord Jesus, believing and trusting with all of our hearts that He is the Son of God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
John 3:16 - 17: " For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." This all-important decision is something we need to live out everyday, calling upon Jesus to guide our path and help us navigate life's oftentimes turbulent waters.
It is certainly not a one-time act that automatically fixes everything for us. Placing our belief upon the Lordship of Jesus requires commitment, discipline, obedience and faith. And if we continue to put our trust in God, He will grant us the grace to receive what we need to keep abiding in Him.
6. Spend time everyday with God in prayer and by reading His Word, the Holy Bible.
Matthew 6:6 - "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Find a place that will become your inner chamber where you can spend intimate time with God worshipping Him everyday, repenting of your sins, thanking Him for His love and grace, and lifting up your petitions to Him.
Remember the acronym ACTS when you pray (A - Adore, C - Confess, T - Thanksgiving and S - Supplication). Read Matthew 6:7-15 for more guidance on how we should pray.
7. Seek the counsel and teaching of godly men and women, and nurture relationships with other true followers of Christ.
Acts 2:42 - "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." In doing this, we must seek the spiritual gift of discernment from the Holy Spirit so that we are not easily deceived by those who masquerade as Christians but don't truly abide by the teachings of Christ as written in His word.
We live in perilous times when those who seek to perpetuate wickedness no longer attempt to hide their evil plans. For God's divine protection to take effect in our lives, we need to understand the true source of conflicts that are being inflicted upon us by those who take their directions from the forces of evil.
Ephesians 6:12 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
There has never been a more urgent need for us to invoke God's power over our lives than today. Receive the gift of eternal life by repenting of your sins, asking Jesus to come into your life and trusting in Him as your Lord and Savior!
