I heard someone ask this question and then respond by saying they felt it wasn't bad enough yet. In the context of the question, it revolved around what is happening in our nation and our world. The question is it bad enough yet, is intended to ask do people think it is bad enough that things need to change.
I thought the question was an interesting one. If you were sitting in traffic for a long time and the opportunity came to go another route your question is it bad enough yet might lead you to take another route. It might not though because you will go a way you had not planned on or are familiar with so it isn't bad enough yet for you to take that exit. I chose this example because this happened to Elaine and I once returning from a trip to visit my sister in Georgia. We knew something was coming up that was stopping the traffic. We were 45 minutes from home. We came upon the last exit before the incident and decided to go on because it wasn't bad enough yet. Now almost 2 hours later sitting on the interstate, it was bad enough but there was no way to go.
The point here is that it might get bad enough. But even when it does, if we don't act accordingly it simply won't make any difference. There might be some of you reading this today that understand what I am talking about. You get the general idea but you are missing the point if you can't and don't put this into the spiritual realm.
I heard someone recently comment that they sensed spiritual darkness around much of what is occurring in the world. Well, honestly there is a spiritual darkness and there is also something we need to do as believers. In Ephesians 6:12 Paul told the Ephesian believers that-
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Sunday in our church service, the Scripture reading came from Ephesians 6:10-18 and in those verses it gives us an understanding of what is happening around us. Very much what the one who commented recently said that they sensed a spiritual darkness. Look at how Paul through God's leading of His Holy Spirit gave a response to us when we have that sense and actually even when we don't because of what he said in the 12th verse. Here is the text from Ephesians 6:10-18 using the ESV-
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Is it bad enough yet for people to start turning to God through Jesus Christ? Sadly, it won't be for everyone. Some will hold onto what they are doing and believe, yet they will miss the opportunity for change. There will be others who will believe and experience change. There is a wonderful hymn of the faith "I know whom I have believed" and the first verse says-
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known, Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
The writer Daniel W. Whittle understood what Paul was saying when in the refrain he wrote-
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
Whittle borrowed from the words of the Apostle Paul from his letter in 2 Timothy 1:12-14
NKJV
12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. Be loyal to the Faith
13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
These are tough days for everyone, believer and non-believer alike. Although we as believers can draw from Paul’s letter to Timothy and sing with praise to God the words of Daniel W. Whittle.
Earlier I I asked the question, is it bad enough yet? I asked this as it is intended to ask do people think it is bad enough that things need to change. We all have things we need to change, I know I do. If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior, then let me implore you today to pray. Admit that you are a sinner. Believe that Jesus Christ is Lord. Confess your need for Him to be your Lord and commit your life to Him today.
In God’s Grace,
Elbert Nasworthy
