Hope for the best and prepare for the worst is by no means Biblical or divine.
Insurance Coverage
We purchase insurance to cover our physical bodies. In the case of sickness or other emergencies our untouched savings are immediately liquidated. The Word says that we should make our election [to the Kingdom of God] sure. That is an insurance for eternal life. As a matter of truth, it is an investment that gives benefits in this world and the next. We may have eternal life but there are others who live among us that have not accepted this free insurance coverage as yet…the Bible calls them “condemned already” [John 3:18].
Letting Our Light Shine
Let someone hear us tell the Good News of the Kingdom. The Kingdom of heaven is at hand! John the Baptist heralded it; we should too. We will get beaten up for telling the story of Jesus and his love. Get ready for the battle because the question is “when” not “if.” John the Baptist got beheaded; Stephen got stoned; Jesus was crucified; Paul was imprisoned and martyred. What excuse do we have?
2020
Last year in 2020, loads of opportunity presented itself. People became more purposeful in their approach to life and more efficient in their use of time. Talents were discovered, explored and are being enjoyed. The overwhelming chore of balancing work and home affairs became a no-brainer and a non-issue. Relationships suddenly popped; more love and consideration were shown where there were malicious feelings and ill-bred emotions. Those of us on the Lord’s side, together with all the above, were able to use the crisis situation to preach the gospel. Despite it all, that coin flipped, represented very different outcomes. Unfortunately, some were not able to hold it together. Alas! Those who lack wisdom should ask for it. If you missed the lessons in 2020, you may have to do some reflection and introspection. You have a lot you can learn from that very busy chapter of your life. The adjustments, cooperation, compromises, patience and wisdom that were suddenly demanded, may have been infuriating at first…and may even have eluded you, but now you realize that if you remain stubborn and fearful, what should be the game changer and your greatest opportunity of productivity and impact, could turn out to be quite cataclysmic.
2021
The mammoth task of “saving the world” is daunting. The task of “saving one at a time” may be more plausible but the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19, 20 concluded that the Lord will be with us always! We show up and He will show off!
Do Not Show Up Without Your Credentials
God gave the power and authority to you so that you may act accordingly but even before that, build yourself up in your most holy faith. There are a number of ways in which to get fit. But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. [Jude verses 20, 21] Spiritual muscles is a weapon you will need for the attacks you make on your enemy or to block the enemy from having an advantage. Always understand the Biblical perspective; know the Word; meditate on the Word; live the Word; If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.[James 1:5]; Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding [Proverbs 4:7].
- Pray in the Spirit
We do not often understand what we will encounter on our missions to save others…but the Spirit knows. That is why He is our Paraclete – our Helper. Speaking to God in a language He alone understands [Romans 8:26, 27] is paramount to us punching holes through strongholds and demolishing them. - Trust in the Lord
Surely there cannot be any doubts in our minds about trusting the Lord. Trust Him to direct us; He is not challenged by our circumstances; He is the One sending us off to save the lost but He is also the One Who equips us to do it [Proverbs 3:5, 6]. - Cultivate Christ’s Heart
And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh [Jude verses 22, 23]. Getting rid of stumbling blocks to compassion is important. We sometimes chase our blessings and impact away because of our inability to have compassion. People can see our hearts more than they can hear our words. We should develop a caring heart…one like Jesus, so that we can impact those to be saved.
Others require stern warnings and because of your love and compassion, they will heed the call. - Have the Fear of God
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell [Matthew 10:28]. - Hate Sin
For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death [2 Corinthians 7:10]. Hating sin does not mean that you will not sin, but it does give you access to forgiveness and salvation. [see also 1 John 1:9]
It is time! The clock is ticking. We are saved, yet there are many more who need our witness. It is time! Let us ask our heavenly Father to redeem the time and let us capitalize on it.
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless
before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen. Jude verses 24, 25
REFERENCE
https://www.christiantoday.com/article/5-ways-to-build-yourself-in-the-most-holy-faith/91734.htm#:~:text=5%20ways%20to%20build%20yourself%20in%20the%20most,of%20God.%20In%20our%20drive%20to%20rescue%20others
