…..But he who endures to the end shall be saved. Matthew 24:13
Last year March 23, 2020, was the first lockdown in the UK. It has been almost a year. The restrictions lasted into July. The there was another lockdown in October 2020.
Many businesses were forced to close without knowing whether they will be allowed to open again during the first lockdown. Most people began to work from home due to the pandemic. For some, it was as if nothing has happened; they had to be going to work due to the fact that their organisations were known to be providing essential services other than NHS workers. Schools, shut down. In the midst of it all, a lot of people lost their jobs or were furloughed. Now we are in lock down again all due to the covi-19 pandemic.
This lockdown has forced many families to spend time together probably for the first time in a long time. Spending time by eating at table together, playing games.
Many Churches are now having to meet virtually or book for a seat to go to church if it is open. On the positive side, most Christians are becoming more creative by meeting regularly with friend and families to pray using various social media platforms. Others have been forced by being at home to spend more time with children praying, studying the Bible together, eating and doing more funs things together.
For some of us, it has been a period of doing a spiritual MOT with God. Going to the master mechanic – Checking our walk with the Him, revisiting abandoned projects or things He has spoken to us about for the longest period of time. For others, it has been new God given ideas and working on them. Or discovering talents and gifts God has already placed in us.
Almost a year now and we are still lockdown having to stay at home keeping everyone safe. Sooner or later, all restrictions may be lifted gradually but one question still remains unanswered. Will the world return to ‘normality’ again? Probably not.
The world has changed so much. As our Prime Minister sets out roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions, many are hoping, life, will return to some sort of normality. In the meantime, this is the when you can pause, assesses and ask this question – with everything that is happening all around the world, am I preparing myself for the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? Am I prepared for what is yet to come?
This is the best time to sharpen all the armours God has given us and not come out of this lock down with blunt armours.
The amours to enable you to stand against the wiles of the devil. Loins girt with truth, breastplate of righteousness; your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; taking the shield of faith; the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-18
Ephesians 6:12 says “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”.
The time is coming when no one will be able to buy or sell without receiving the mark of the beast.
Are you ready? Are you preparing yourself in the word of God and soaking yourself in prayer? Having that intimate relationship with your maker? The children of God will be hated. Christians will be more persecution. Men will be lovers of themselves. Many will be offended, betray and hate one another. (Matthew 24)
Our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ was hated by the world whiles He was on earth.
He was crucified.
He died to save you and me.
After His resurrection and ascension to Heaven, persecution of his disciples and followers began. This did not stop them from preaching the gospel even unto death.
All the disciples of Jesus were killed apart from John who didn’t die after they boiled him. Peter was crucified, upside down at his request, since he did not feel he was worthy to die in the same manner as his Lord. Andrew was scourged, and then tied rather than nailed to a cross, so that he would suffer for a longer time before dying. And so were the rest of the disciples killed.
This is not the time to relax. This is the time to prepare for what is to come. Prepare yourself daily in prayer and in the word!
Having done all, to stand so that you will be able to stand the evil day. (Ephesians 6:13)
Written by: @lydiaspeaks_ministry
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