Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!
Devotional Thoughts
By Carter Conlon
I bring good news! Eternity is not the only thing we have to look forward to. I believe our hearts are going to be filled with deep joy even in the midst of difficult days (see John 16:33). There is going to be a fellowship in the Body of Jesus Christ such as you and I have never experienced in our lifetime.
There will be rejoicing when we come together — times when we simply do not want to leave the house of God. The Lord is truly going to be our strength and our song. And He will give us the privilege of glorifying Him by allowing others to see His strength in us in a time of suffering. Sinners are going to come to us and say, “Tell us the reason for the hope that you still have!” You see, we will have hope because we heard the warning of God and took the time to prepare.
No matter how difficult things may become, I certainly do not see the Church of Jesus Christ going out in a whimper. I see a victorious Church — a Church that is Christ-honoring, standing boldly in the power of the Holy Spirit, just as she began in the book of Acts.
In this time of preparation, my prayer has been, “Lord, take everything out of my life that will bring weakness into my heart. Let Your Spirit within me give me strength and cause my life to bring You honor.” I encourage you to ask the Lord for those things you have need of, as well. Ask Him for courage, endurance, and confidence (see Philippians 1:20-21). Ask Him for the grace not to give up in your present trial or in the ones to come.
I assure you, God will not fail you! And not only in a time of suffering but through all eternity, you will never regret having put your confidence in Him.