Consider This?

This is not a usual post that I put up. This is a consider this, which is usually a post that I put up when things in my personal life weigh heavily on my mind. However, this post is not negative in inference or tone. I just feel that I need to share what I perceive around me in relation to the activity of God.
I have seen God, at work, in people's lives. At our church recently, I have seen people respond to God in an attempt to better their lives. What a wonderful decision. Specifically, I have noticed that many of our sermons lately have been centered on worry, perseverance, and hope. Now, these have not been specifically taught on, except for worry, but they have been very evident in each sermon and Sunday School Class meeting. I think it is obvious that God has a real message for our church body. BTW, I got to Wake Cross Roads if anybody is interested.
Also, in the blogosphere of people I know, there has been a great desire for people to have perseverance. Let me be candid, things in this world right now are not great. As a matter of fact, they are scary, burdensome, and downright cumbersome. There is no hope, no future, no money or fame that can make these problems go away, that are provided in the world. If you take a moment to look at how miserable the world is, maybe it will help you to understand how better off you are, if your a Chrsitian. Aren't you glad that in the future, you won't have to worry about that. And, even now, you don't have to worry needlessly. Did not Christ say that he will provide all our needs. Amen or Oh me!
Nevertheless, perseverance is a spiritual character trait, and it isn't built over night. I empathize with your struggles. I know many of you right now who are paddling in the seas of uncertainity. That's ok though, where there is no certainity, there can be faith upon the bedrock of the promises of God. Stay grounded in the Word, and you will weather the storm.
I understand the struggles around us as people of America. The economy is disastrous and a persons lifestyle exceeds their paycheck. Our morality is compromised because every image we see is of tight spandex, 12 pack abs, and dish-towels that became tank tops over night. Our faith is lacking because we just seem to do those things we don't want to do while we continue not doing the things we ought to do! BUT REMEMBER, NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO QUIT. THIS TOO SHALL PASS (as my wife likes to inform me of).
So, in retrospect, all I wanted to do was vent a little here, encourage a little there, and get a laugh or two from whoever may be reading this. Listen to me, brothers and sisters, now is not the time to be idle. Now is not the time to be scared. Now is the time to be thoughtful, wise, discreet, and holy in conduct and conversation. Of course, these things are always to be desired, but with the way the world is right now, especially in our country, people could do with seeing a little genuine Christainity actually lived out, and not just lied about. So, be real today. Persevere. Remember, God is still in control.
Think on That!