“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since
what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4: 18, NIV
As I grab an extra layer and head to the apple orchard, I can’t help but smile as footballs are tossed, and aspiring soccer players line the field for their weekend game.
As I vye for a spot off the country road, hearty yellow mums, and cornstalks set the stage for all things fall. Looking forward to sinking my teeth into a freshly picked Macoun, I can’t help but praise God for autumn’s beauty. As images of chasing the littles through corn mazes, and baking homemade apple pie with my precious kiddos dance through my head, I begin to think how we’re all about preparing for the next season.
But what about getting ready for eternity?
At this stage in my life, as much as I have always looked forward to the bounty of gifts discovered in each of New England’s seasons, I have come to realize that time is short.
Living in a secular society of uncertainty where moral compromises continue to be made with voices and issues competing to steer us away from what matters most, a sense of urgency rises deep within my soul.
I’ve been thinking about Paul’s last warning to Timothy stating, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4: 3).
Many have adopted an ‘anything goes’ philosophy, and are choosing to live without accountability; following God’s commands only as one sees fit, or not at all.
If you’re like me, you see these very things happening now in our country, in our communities, in churches, and maybe even with those you care about and love.
Scripture reveals God is all loving, all knowing, forgiving, full of mercy, rich in kindness, but there is a cost to discipleship, too.
Surrendered followers of Jesus know obedience, repentance, and complete trust in God’s faithfulness, wisdom and guiding hand over their lives is what standing tall when others fall is all about.
“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen, by faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible” (Hebrews 11: 1, 3).
When confusion and chaos collide there is only one way to ride out the storm. With Jesus.
When I’m at the end of my rope, there is only one place to turn. To Jesus.
When darkness seems to steal the Light, and I’m at a loss for words, there is only one person who can lead me through. Jesus.
Come now, sweet friend. Let’s join hearts in prayer.
Dear Jesus,
I praise you, and thank you for the beauty found in each changing season. From the breathtaking colors of autumn, to the uniqueness of each snowflake, you alone are the author of my days.
With time growing short I turn to you as the Savior of the world. I pray that your name will be exalted among the nations, and that you will equip and empower me to make a difference in the lives of others. I pray that you would open the eyes of all hearts, Lord, to reveal Your Truth to them.
I pray that you will guide our leaders, protect our children, and give me the words to lead family and strangers to You. For with You, and You alone are all things possible. I ask this in your mighty name.
Amen.
My friend, thank you so much for being here. Remember when you tune in to Jesus you are never alone.
Until next time…
May the Spirit of God lead you, the Word of God sustain you, and the promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.
With love and blessings...
Questions for Reflection:
God tells us, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43: 1). What does it mean to be known, and called by God?
In what ways will you tune in to Jesus this week? How will you stand tall for Christ in a fallen world? How will you “fix your eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4: 18).
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Sue Dick, Author of Nourish Your Soul: 7 Secrets for Women Seeking Peace
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