Else had Israel perished outright, and we also had long ago been consigned to the lowest hell. We ought to praise the Lord for what He has not done as well as for what He wrought for us; even the negative side deserves our adoring gratitude.
C. H. Spurgeon
I keep hearing from different people, including those who claim to be Christians, that this is the worst year they have ever experienced. Everything is not like it used to be.
A smile and hope replaced with a mask and fear on the face. Handshakes, hugs and kisses are banned and punished by public censure. Neighbors became strangers, friends became foreigners. Houses that were full of people get emptied and lonely…
Well, that is all true. But, to my unbelieving friend, I want to say that you probably know nothing about worst year ever. The past century is a witness to that. The horror of two World Wars, dozens of other wars and conflicts, million and millions of killed: starved to death in concentration camps, suffocated in the gas chambers, burned in furnaces, executed and obliterated for ever.
My grand parents, being in the age of preschool, were the one of very few who survived the great starvation in Ukraine during the winter of 1932-1933. Furthermore, some people were humbly and patiently waiting when death will join them over their empty dinner table. While others were hunting after their, already weakened by hunger, neighbors to eat them in order to survive through the winter.
I think, that was the worst years ever…
Scripture
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. // Psalm 103:10-11 KJV
Observation
But, I am even not talking about that. I want to tell you, my unbelieving friend, that “the worst years ever” is yet to come. And they will be as real as your eyes that is reading this right now. The worst years ever will last throughout eternity. It is very long time… Unless, you repent and put your trust in Jesus Christ now.
To my Christian friend, who think that this may be the worst year ever, I want to say that you either are not a Christian or simple never were one. Thus, you must repent too. Because, you deserve nothing good, and God owes you nothing, but His wrath.
Our merit is depravity, shame and guilt are our chevrons, the rank is SINNER. Moreover, we have never suffered as we deserve to suffer, yet we have received what we do not deserve.
We live just because of God’s bountiful mercy which we received by His grace through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. In like manner, the infinite height of the heavens being studying by astrologist with fear and trembling, same the infinite mercy of God can be received with fear and trembling before the Mighty One.
Application
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- What is your greatest disappointment of this year?
- What do you think you deserve from God?
- Do you fear God more than troubles of this world?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, blessed be Your name.
We thank You, Lord God, for you dealt with us not according to our works, but because of who You are. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for You took the punishment what we deserve, and gave us the everlasting life with You.
We pray that Your Spirit will guide us and strengthening our faith, that we will live in adoring gratitude even in the worst times in our life. Let your Kingdom come, let your will to be done on this Earth as it is in heaven.
We pray in Jesus Holy name, Amen.
