I have this friend who is really a nice guy and really loves the Lord. He is anxious for Jesus to return. It seems that it should not be difficult to be around such a dedicated person. But it is difficult. Because he believes the world will be in a ruinous condition prior to Jesus’ second coming and tribulation will befall God’s people, he doesn’t want to hear any good news. To tell him good news is like telling him you have become an unbeliever. Every day he pours through the news literally searching for the worst stories he can find because they reinforce him. When he hears news of an earthquake or hurricane that killed thousands he almost receives the news with glee because “the end is near.”
This is not a case of the glass being half empty. This is a case of the glass only have a few drops in the bottom. Jesus does speak of tribulation and hard times. We would be foolish to be Pollyannas and think all is well when it isn’t. But where is the abundant life promised by Jesus? He said He came to bring us the abundant life and it is to begin now not merely at the end of time. It is true that hard times come and if we are patient and can survive them they usually pass giving us respite and peace.
In the 23rd Psalm we pass through the valley of the shadow of death and our Shepherd leads us by still waters and presents before us a bountiful table. Let us not borrow troubles from the future but rejoice when there are rejoicable events. God created us with the ability to smile. Let’s use it.
Written by Roger Bothwell on September 11, 2012
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org