by Glenice Mills
24th April 2009
Hebrews 10:23 - "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (New King James Version)
So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgment of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word. (Amplified version)
We have the message, we have the hope but sadly we don’t always live our lives, and set an example for those in the world who may be watching that reflect the message of hope. The truth is we have the hope. Do we speak hope or do we join in and speak negativity along with those in the world who do not know what it is to have a relationship with Jesus Christ? We live in turbulent times, there is much going on in the world at this time that would have us doubt, bow to fear and anxiety and subtly come into the world’s hopelessness. Do we truly believe this message of hope? God is not surprised by what is happening in the world! The prophets who have been speaking of this and warning what is to come are not surprised; but many Christians are reacting as if it was not meant to happen. Many have been in denial hoping the prophet’s words were false. Many have accused these prophets who spoke of the coming world global financial crisis as ‘false prophets, and doomsayers.’ Those who had ears to hear heard and were obedient to make sure their finances were in order, particularly in the area of debt are now in a place of peace. The Lord showed that in this season we are like ones doing white water rafting.
When white water rafting you are completely reliant on the water flow.Sometimes there are smooth and level areas of water flow. However, other parts there is turbulent waters where you are entirely in the hands of the fast flowing water. There is nothing you can do to stop, resist or fight it, you can only go with the speed and flow of the river. You are entirely at the mercy of the water’s flow.If you fall out it is very difficult to swim to the sides because of the speed of the water flow. Generally you have no other choice than to ‘let go’ and flow with it.
We are in times like this. We have no other choice than to ‘let go’ and trust the direction and flow will lead to an end at some point, to smooth, calm waters. There is always a finish line when you can’t go any further. The Lord will accomplish what He wants to do on earth at this time. We can go with the flow, or we can try to resist and fight it. To resist and fight it will not achieve anything but anxiety and fear. It will bring strife and despair. This season is a test for us Christians and for the church. We can embrace it as all joy to join in the sufferings of Christ or we can turn our backs on truth, choose denial and pretend it will go away and ultimately compromise our Christianity. So what can we learn from this example of white water rafting?
1. Before white water rafting we have to be prepared with the right equipment. We have to make sure our raft has no holes in it, that it is completely water tight. Like our lives and the church we have to make sure that all is in place, that there is no access point for danger to come in - for the enemy to try and take us out.
2. We must know what the water and weather conditions are before embarking on the journey. As Christians we need to be aware what is happening out there in the wider picture of the world. We are in the hands of outside circumstances such as any brewing storms, any changes that could impact the practical running in our day to day lives so we are forewarned and forearmed.
3. Those that go water rafting wear the appropriate protective gear. They wear protective head gear and life jackets to keep themselves safe. There is footwear that protect their feet from slipping on the rocks. This is not unlike our armour - we need to have our armour on so we do not become beguiled by the enemies trick at this time.
4. There is always a leader at the helm of the raft. It is essential that those on the ride listen to and obey the instructions of the leader so they are kept safe and do not go into any areas that may be dangerous.
5. The leader has a large oar that can be used to steer the raft away from danger particularly in the flat waters just before heading into the rough waters. It requires the people on the raft to trust the leader that he is leading them in the right direction.
6. Most importantly the people have to ‘hold fast’ to the ropes on the raft so they do not get swept overboard or lose their footing and hurt someone else on the raft.
We cannot escape these turbulent times we live in. Christians throughout the ages have had to endure the times they lived in and we are no different. We were all born for ‘such a time as this’ so surely that means we can draw on all we need from the Lord to get us through. It is a test of our character and our faith whether we are prepared to persevere, to endure and to hold fast. We can use these times to ‘grow up into Him’. The Lord has given us keys to endure the times in His word. This is opportunity for the church to be the light in a world of darkness and despair. The church can meet the needs of those in want, and to speak and be examples of the message of life and hope that we carry individually and corporately. This is the perfect time for the church to ‘arise and shine’. It requires a people who know their God. They must be a people who have an inner resolve to follow hard after Christ no matter what is going on around and about them. It requires a people of faith. It is an ideal time for the church to be positioned in the world and the community, to be all that it was called to be - the giver of life, love and a way forward - the message of Jesus Christ, the message of salvation. However, it is also a time when the church must be careful that it does not put a yoke on its people. Jesus said ‘My yoke is easy and My burden is light.’ ‘I will build My church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.’ Therefore if God is building His church we can and must trust Him to provide for the needs; both spiritually, practically and financially. Church finances are being tested at this time. Some church monuments built by the hands of man will fall, but those built on the rock, Jesus Christ, in His will, according to His leading, will grow and be all that it is called to be. Church leaders must not bow to fear and unbelief but hold fast to the promises of God and trust Him to provide for their needs. God is well able to change the hearts of His people to give generously, to sacrifice and to hold fast to the vision of the church so it can do all it is sovereignly called and destined to fulfil.
Romans 12:11-12 - "Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavour; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer."
We are all white water rafting together, Jesus is the master oarsman, steering the raft and all we need to do is hold on, hold fast to Him! It is part of His plan for these days in which we live, and it is all about His kingdom coming here on earth. What an exciting journey we are on! Hold on tight!
