LIFELINE IN
TROUBLESOME TIMES
INTRODUCTION
Lifeline in troublesome times is needful for one to have peace of mind as we are living in difficult times. Jesus revealed: There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the seas and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for (from) fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken (Luke 21:25-26).
There is turmoil and unrest in the world; partly because man is reaping what he has sown. Apostle Paul wrote: Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap. For he that sows to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting (Galatians 6:7-8).
It was noted that sowing to the flesh is to conduct oneself by the evil dictates and desires of the sinful nature of man; reaping corruption is requited with eternal destruction. Sowing to the Spirit (the Spirit of God) means to live by His enabling help in accord with His prompting and leading; such a person will be rewarded with eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.
Lifeline in Troublesome Times
Vision from God
A prophecy contained these words: My people have become complacent and are drifting along with the tide of this world and they are being drawn further away from me. They have not firmly set their anchor in Me, their solid Rock, and they have not attached themselves to Me; THE LIFELINE I have thrown to them. If they do not set their lifeline they will soon perish in the sea of life, that surrounds them, because they are drifting far from Me instead of closer to Me.
It is indeed a sad state when one chooses to ignore so great a blessing through God's offering of a lifeline in troublesome times. Scripture reveals: God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son (The Lord Jesus Christ), that whosoever believes in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. Jesus said: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).
Lifeline of Faith
Lifeline in troublesome times is as a rope strung along a vessel's weather deck to provide a handhold in rough weather. It is there for a purpose; to ignore that purpose could very well put a person's life in jeopardy of being washed overboard in foul weather.
The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy, a young evangelist: This charge I commit to you, Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on you, that you by them mightiest war a good warfare; holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away (rejected) concerning faith have made (suffered) shipwreck (1 Timothy 1:18-19).
It was noted that holding faith means that one to is maintain their confidence in God. It was revealed that some had rejected the inner moral voice of conscience (that of God's Spirit); and strayed away from the truth. In such a condition one eyes are closed to the lifeline being extended to them.
The Gospel Message
Lifeline in troublesome times may come in an unexpected way. Many Christians in South Korea; concerned about those in North Korea, have sent the Gospel message, through various means, tossing a lifeline to both believers and unbelievers alike.
Christians, in many lands, further risk their lives to bring the Word of God into the hands of those whom it is not available; because of repressive regimes. Many countries attempt to stem the flow of the Gospel message; despite the fact that Jesus said to the Apostle Peter: Upon this rock (the foundation of the Church) I will build my church: and the gates of hell (those in opposition) shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).
Jesus gave instruction in what is termed as The Great Commission: Go, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (that of God's Spirit): teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world (Matthew 28:19-20).
Tranquility of Mind
Lifeline in troublesome times is a real blessing to the believer in Christ. Apostle Paul wrote: Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
It was noted that the peace of God is tranquility of mind that frees the believer from fear and anxiety. Peace that passes all understanding means that which is divinely bestowed in times of need (a lifeline in troublesome times), so wonderful that it exceeds one's ability to understand it!
Be careful for nothing means do not worry about anything. The solution to undue anxiety is to be prayerful in everything, in every facet of life. While God is eager to hear our requests, they are to be accompanied with thanksgiving, in knowing who one's benefactor is, and in turn praising Him for continually watching over the believers through His Son, the Lord Christ Christ.
I Will Fear No Evil
The 23rd Psalm, a psalm of David; has been a favorite of God's people through the ages, revealing a lifeline in troublesome times: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack). He makes me to lie down in green pastures (pastures of tender green grass); he leads me beside the still waters (waters of rest).
He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake: though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear not evil: for you are with me; your rod and staff (protective provisions) they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Those words give the very essence of a lifeline in troublesome times; in that God's loving and caring provision is always available to the one who looks to Him.
Insight into God's
Promise
It was noted that the Lord is compared to a shepherd and believers as His sheep. The image of the Lord as shepherd is a frequently used in both the Old and the New Testament.
Believers are never pictured in Scriptures as mighty lions, independent and self-sufficient; rather, they are sheep who are dependent on their Shepherd for His provision and protection. The believer is more than a dependent sheep; he is also like an honored guest, since the Lord prepares a table for him.
Connected with this honored position is abundant provision, vindication before one's enemies, and eternal celebration of God's goodness. Lifeline in troublesome times is noted throughout God's Word of His protective nature, as a Shepherd, to those who look to Him.
The Great Invitation
Jesus said: Come to me all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek (gentle) and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).
It was noted that this is an encouragement to come to Christ, lay down one's burdens at his feet, laying hold on faith, bringing about a spiritual rest, peace of conscience, and ease of mind.
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