A SIGH OF RELIEF
INTRODUCTION
A sigh of relief comes when there is genuine relief from any wrong that has been suffered; where before there was seemingly was no hope, but then a removal of anxiety, pain, or distress caused by such circumstances. When a nation, or individual, is under duress it is like taking a breath of fresh air where before it was polluted and unhealthy. Scripture reveals that Lot, who made a poor decision as where to reside found himself in such an environment.
Apostle Peter wrote: God delivered just Lot, vexed (oppressed) with the filthy conversation (conduct) of the wicked; for that righteous man dwelling among them (those in Sodom), in seeing and hearing vexed (tormented) his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful (ungodly) deeds (2 Peter 3:7-8).
A sigh of relief had to come over Lot, even though it was reported that he lingered (Genesis 19:16), and he and his family had to be taken by the hand and led out of Sodom by angels. What would so captivate a person, or persons, that they would hesitate in coming out of a dire situation?
A Sigh of Relief
Freedom Becomes a Reality
A sigh of relief is a sure sign of victory that pulsates when freedom becomes a reality rather than confinement or loss of victory. There are many factors that play into focus that would deal a crushing blow towards any nation, or individual, caught up in such a grip. There are those who seek to destroy liberties so cherished and fought for but not really appreciated until taken away.
There is an influence rising from such names as Socialism and Marxism, cousins to Communism; Critical Race Theory (CRT), the Great Reset Plan, instituted by the World Economic Forum; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); to name but a few. Thank God for victory over such policies, with a sigh of relief, when one witnesses such forces being engaged and abated.
Bondage and Deliverance
Scripture reveals: It came to pass in process of time that the king of Egypt died, and the children of Israel sighed (groaned) by reason of the bondage (instituted upon them by another) and they cried (cried out in desperation); and God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them (seen their affliction) (Exodus 2:23 & 25). A sigh of relief did not immediately take place but was realized when God’s Mighty hand of Deliverance came forth.
When God’s intervention comes it brings a sigh of relief, thankfulness to God, often using others to minister His mercy and justice, as in that case of Moses, as an instrument only, for God performed many miraculous wonders to accomplish deliverance of His people. It behooves one to seek God, as the Israelites did, to cry out for justice and deliverance. The Psalmist David wrote: The Lord brings the counsel of the heathen (nations) to nought; he makes the devices (plans) of the people of none effect (Psalm 33:10).
Global Domination
A sigh of relief certainly is in order when one realizes that it is God’s grace and mercy being extended in a moment of crisis. We are witnessing a gradual coming together towards global domination; also a ushering in of a very recognizable help in time of need on God’s part.
There is a dominating influence towards global domination; though it may seek partners to share in its goal, when all is said and done, there will be an unwillingness to share in the ultimate goal of domination. Apostle Paul wrote: If you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not consumed one of another (Galatians 5:15). A nation, or individual's, hope is in a God of deliverance, a God of hope, a God of mercy, to those who will reach out to Him in faith.
Church is not Excluded
A sigh of relief comes as one witnesses adherence to the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God without compromise. It was noted that the church is being tempted to pursue social status rather than sanctification, financial security rather than sacrifice, prestige rather than the presence of God, and respectability rather than the moving of God’s Spirit. There is a progressive social gospel that allows secular traits, teachable moments of the ways of the world rather adherence to God’s Word.
Leadership roles, tolerance, and other injunctions attempt to adjust the Word of God towards present day lifestyles, rather than condemning them. A sigh of relief is not captured in such moments only when the Word of God is upheld without compromise. Apostle Paul addressed the churches at Galatia, who had begin to teach or preach that which was contrary to that which was previously taught.
Apostle Paul wrote: I marvel that you so soon removed (turning away) from him that called you into the grace of Christ to another gospel; which is not another, but there be some that trouble you, and would (want to) pervert the gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6-7). How many today would Paul have to address for the same reason? A sign of relief is when a church comes forth with flying colors towards upholding the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God.
Judgment on the Ungodly
Apostle Jude wrote: Behold (take note), the Lord comes with ten thousands of his saints; to execute judgment upon all, and to convince (convict) all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly (in an ungodly way) committed, and of all their hard (harsh) speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him (the Lord).
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts (desires); and their mouth speaking great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration, because of advantage (Jude 1:14-16). It was noted that ungodly repeatedly describes the actions and attitudes of those whom Jude denounced. A great swelling word means arrogant language; in admiration means that they flatter others in order to get what they are after; and separate themselves from those who stand for the truth of God’s Word.
A sigh of relief comes not with intermixing but withdrawal from such an influence. Apostle Paul wrote: We command you brethren (the church), in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you withdraw (disassociate) yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly and not after the tradition which he received of us (2 Thessalonians 3:6).
Kingdoms Crumble
It was noted that eventually kingdoms crumble because they ascended to dominance on the shaky foundation of human ingenuity, political intrigue, selfish interest, and human economy. The time is coming when all powers and principalities will collapse under the weight of God's judgment. God having power and authority to create also has power and authority to destroy that which He creates. This was shown by the Flood (pre-Flood days of Noah).
When humans become so evil, that every thought and imagination of the human mind and heart was only evil continually, God decided to destroy from the earth the humans He had created. To give life and take away life are both within God's authority. We are seeing an outcropping of nations seeking to dominate; no sigh of relief except when God intervenes. Believers and non-believers alike will one day give an account to God. Scripture reveals: It is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
A Godly Intervention
Apostle Peter wrote of a Day of Reckoning in which a God’s Judgment was poured out. He wrote: God spared not the old world (pre-Flood days of Noah), but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood unto the world of the ungodly (2 Peter 2:5).
Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water perished: but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved into fire against (until) the Day of Judgment (reckoning) and perdition (destruction) of ungodly men (2 Peter 3:6-7).
Peter identified why such as yet happened: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (destruction of the ungodly), as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should parish, but all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). A sigh of relief comes in what is promised to those who accept the Lord Jesus Christ, as their Lord and Savior, and will not face the Day of Judgment revealed by Apostle Peter.
Promise to Believers
Apostle Peter wrote: The Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night (unexpected by many); in which the heavens and the earth shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat (could be the result of a nuclear holocaust), the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation (conduct) and godliness (2 Peter 3:10-11).
We, (the believers) according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness. Seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may found of him in peace, without spot (sin), and blameless (2 Peter 3:13-14).
Peter gave warning to be believer: Seeing you look for such things before (beforehand), beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness (faithfulness), but grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:17).
Assurance in Christ
Apostle Paul wrote: Now being made free from sin (a sigh of relief comes at that moment), and become servants (dedicated) to God, you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. Paul then issued a warning: The wages of sin is death (physical and spiritual); but the gift of God is eternal life (a heavenly reward) through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:22-23).
A promise: Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13). Apostle John conveyed the words of Jesus: I stand at the door (of one’s heart), and knock; if any man (person) hear my voice, and open the door (only you can), I will come in to him, and will sup (dine) with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20). A sigh of relief is one of ease of mind, in knowing the Lord Jesus.
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