I lift up my eyes, behold the gathering cloud
I wanted a grand affair, gathering crowd;
Happy, cheering, telling and retelling
The wonder that is my dream, my life
But instead, I hear rumbling contradictions
Calling my dream impossible, unattainable
Calling me a dreamer, wishing for unrealistic.
I can’t refute the undeniable: I am a dreamer
Who was first a believer
My dreams are not built on wishes
Fancy but frail and often fatalistic
My dreams are not unattainable
Because they are founded on the Word;
Rock of ages, enduring, unfailing
My dreams are not impossible
Because they are inspired by God
Who makes the impossible possible

During a discussion with a couple of people about a major decision, one of them went, “Bad timing! This is the worst time ever for that. Two years ago would have been better.” Another chimed in, “And it won’t getter better until the next couple of years, after we get rid of this ridiculous government.” I respectfully shared my contrary view but as I walked down the river taking in the scenic views of God’s creation, planted all around, freely for all mankind, I reminisced the conversation.

Yes, in every country, there are people who believe the person holding the staff of  national or local authority is the most incompetent and subsequently is contributing significantly to the downtimes. Each party feel things would have been better if someone else held that position. But if we must face the truth, then we have to accept that it is simply the times we live in. Yes, things could be better. And yes, things could also be worse. Therefore for where we are, let us be grateful.

The views of these friends were not wrong or intended to offend. Each contributor had their genuine convictions and intentions. Each was expressing what they see, the way they see it, considering where they have been, and where they currently are. The points they made were facts that even the blind could see. But if we must face the truth, then we also have to accept that facts and truths are not always the same. In view of all we have to deal with each day, everyone of us would have to constantly make the distinctions in order to choose who to believe: facts or truth.

The foundation of my life is God’s Word and I suppose that should be the same for every believer. That doesn’t make us blind to reality. No we don’t trash facts. Neither do we give facts authority over our lives. No, we don’t switch foundations or change the building blocks because of times, events or popular opinions. The Word has staying power; the Word has the ability to create and recreate; the Word has the ability to transform and to endure; the Word has the power to outlive facts and become the reality of every believer who is persistent in their faith and confessions; the Word was with God in the beginning and will be there in the end when all else fade and fail; the Word is God.

Things may appear hopeless for the world but that doesn’t make it hopeless for a believer: Christ in us is our glorious hope! Everything may be falling apart for everyone but, “It is well with the righteous,” says the Good Book. It may be impossible for everyone else but all things are possible through Christ for us who believe. It may be going downhill for the rest of the world  but all things work together for our good, not because we are smarter or better than everyone else: because we believe.

Faith makes a world of difference in a world that is continuously on the decline, in times that will continue to depreciate irrespective of global efforts. It is just the way it was meant to be. It is not just about the clueless governments and ignorant supporters. It is not just the fault of terrorists and those who know to do good but choose to look the other way: it is the world we live in; a temporal and continually deteriorating one. Yet again, “. . . the people that know their God (and His Word) shall be strong, and do exploits (Daniel 11:32, NKJV). This is not the time to give in to fear. This is the hour of faith. This is the moment for exploits. If you have ever believed that God is faithful and able, now is the time to lay hold of His Word and trust until He perfects whatever He has started in you and with you. Until then, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deut 30:16, NKJV. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Josh 1:9, NKV.

Blessings

Glory!