I heard the Lord say: "I am coming as a mighty wind. You will know without a doubt that I am in that wind. I am coming like a whirlwind to bring judgment upon the nations. They call for me, they cry for me. I am coming soon. Prepare. You must be prepared. The evil one is loose. He is looking for those he can devour. Be strong. Look to me. It is well to focus on me.”
Our God is a God of love, but also a God of judgment. He is slow to anger and more patient then we are, but He will not put up with evil forever. The nations are crying out to Him to relieve them from the evil in their lands. The enemy is always looking to take advantage of the weak. So God says be strong and look to Him. Our strength is in Him.
God’s very nature is love. But do you wonder, “If God loves me so much, why do I have to go through such bad times”? I’m here to tell you the bad things you may experience are not what God desires for you as His child. It’s not His best for you. We are told “Every good & perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). Those things that happen to you are because of someone else’s bad choices, or your bad choices or satan’s influence. And Ecclesiastes 9:11 says time and chance happens to us all.
We are also told the devil “was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth…he is a liar & the father of lies” (John 8:44). He’s a “thief that comes only to steal, kill & destroy” (John 10:10). He “masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Cor.11:14). That is the same as saying he is a deceiver. Satan, which is another name for the devil, is the one who is our enemy. He wants to deceive and destroy us, and steal from us everything that God wants to give us. He wants to kill not only our bodies, but He also wants to destroy our character and our opportunities to become all God wants us to be. He wants to destroy our relationship with God. And he started his conquest with Adam and Eve in the very beginning.
God will give you the strength to endure and conquer the trials of life - even when you think you can’t, because He can! He wants to take those things that were meant for your harm and turn them around. The Lord says, “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you” (Ps. 50:15). When you feel weak, He’ll be strong - for you. He is a good God. Even though at times life is tough, those times are only temporary.Jesus said: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
The Lord said:“Tell my people to prepare themselves. For there is a time coming of great distress, but I will be with those who call out my name. Tell them not to fear for I am with them.” I asked, “How can they prepare”?He answered, ‘With fasting & prayer, for I am calling my people into a closer walk with me that they may surely know me as Abba Father, the one who cares.’ So do not fear. Do not faint. Know me. Be prepared for the time to come, so you will remain strong and not faint. The time is short. Do you not sense my urgency in this matter? I love you. I am coming for a church without spot or wrinkle. Believe in me, seek me and I will be found. I am your comforter. I am your help in times of trouble. Turn to me that I might cleanse you and make you ready for my return. Yes, seek me with your whole heart.” 1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.” We need to give our cares to God and depend on Him. Have faith, not in yourself or in others, but in God. Know He will do the things He promised to do. He is our help in times of trouble.
