Aren't we all watching and waiting for something? You may think I am talking about the current events that we are watching and reading about and actually that is something to watch. Yet there are so many other things to watch and wait to see what occurs.
Now what I find interesting is that it is not too difficult to get caught up in the news of what is happening. We now see it as something happening thousands of miles away but there is every reason to be cautious of what is or could happen right here at home.
For most of you, it may be very hard not to be overwhelmed by all that is happening around you in your local area or even in the world. I certainly don't think we should hide our heads in the sand. We need to be very aware of all that is happening but in all of this, we have to live life.
I have mentioned previously that we receive too much information too quickly today. There is no time to process it all and in many cases even determine the truth of what we have heard or read. I know that for me that is the case. I always attempt to be knowledgeable about what is happening. Especially in our personal lives and how it may affect us.
When you read the Bible and study history you find something that is very true, history repeats itself. Now that doesn't mean that history makes a conscious decision to repeat itself. Rather it means that history and those events which were a part of that event repeats itself. This is an important point to make and to consider. It can be encouraging as well as discouraging depending on what is occurring from that historical perspective.
Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 1:9-
9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
Nothing is new under the sun. We see things repeated not because of a planned event but rather because we have not learned anything from history. It seems we are on that track again as people. Not learning anything from the past and attempting to correct the problem without dealing with the problem. It is that bandage on a gun shot wound idea that you need to keep in mind. That wound needs more than a simple patch. It needs to be closely observed and every known precaution and corrective action needs to be applied. The wound needs attention and then it can heal and grow stronger.
Let me make it clear that hard decisions are not easy decisions. Doing what needs to be done requires fortitude and commitment. Two things that are most lacking in our world today. People who don't know what to do and certainly lack the fortitude and knowledge to make the decisions repeat the mistakes of the past. Will the results lead to an apparent end or simply keep the inevible on the horizon as a coming attraction?
As a believer we are told to be watching and waiting. Watching and waiting for the return of our Savior and Lord. In John 14:3 are the words of Jesus Himself on the subject of His return one day-
...if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
The time He speaks about is told to us by the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
I watch and wait every day as to what is happening all around us and what will occur next. I'm concerned but I am not alarmed. Because I am also watching and waiting for my Savior to come and take us home. I don't want you to be ignorant and these words will comfort you in the midst of all the chaos man has made around us.
In God's Grace,
Elbert Nasworthy
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