~Every Knee Shall Bow~

 Photo attributed to NYDailynews.com

In the wake of recent actions and events, many have questions, and many are questioning their faith. The trials seem to never end; children are being abandoned and killed. Elderly are being abused and forgotten. It seems as if in these days there is no safe place, you cannot turn on the news without seeing at least two stories of death and destruction committed by another human being. Wars are raging, not only in foreign countries, but in our homes, our schools, families, and in our own minds.

Every single person on earth has been affected by the horrific events that have inundated and shaken us through the past several years. These events have evoked numerous emotions in just about everyone. Anger, fear, frustration, these emotions and feelings are the result of living in a world that is that has been broken by sin.

We cannot avoid suffering, there will be pain, there will be circumstances we don’t understand that make us angry and if we are not careful; that anger will lead to bitterness and un-forgiveness. However, as believers, we have been set apart by God for a specific divine purpose. The very moment we are saved in Christ we are also immediately sanctified and begin the process of being conformed to the image of Christ.  

This does not mean that we don’t get angry, but we should be angry and SIN not. We should be praying for the victims AND perpetrators of these deviant actions, even forgiving them of the offense. Forgiveness does not negate, ignore, disregard, tolerate, or excuse the sin of that person. I know first-hand this is not an easy thing do, I have endured unspeakable acts and for me forgiveness is a daily journey, at times I would actually say it’s a battle. But as Christians, we are required by God to do so. Thankfully, God would never command us to do anything that He wouldn’t provide the ability to do.

I love this word picture of un-forgiveness.. It is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die.

Right now, you can pray for God to give you the strength to forgive those who have hurt you. Those who have committed horrifying acts against innocent people; God will give you the strength to do so and He will also empower you supernaturally to love them (this may take time) even though you hate what they have done. Once you are able to let go of the terrible burden of holding on to un-forgiveness, you will experience the cleansing power, and freedom of forgiveness.

We have been reassured that everyone will enter into His truth. There is a place where there is no more suffering, pain or fears. These burdens will be gone. We must hold on to our faith that God is good, he will work out all things for His good. He is a just God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Rev 21:4

All wrongs will be made right when the Lion of Judah comes into sight, the world will quake every false foundation will shake. All will hear the mighty roar of the King. At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth Philippians 2:10

                                     Photo by Dyrk Daniels