8 Survival Skills for Changing Times – Part I-3

Introduction – Part 3: What about North America?

For us in North America, what will the next several years bring about? Will we experience a major economic earthquake, as some are predicting? We can’t help but observe that in many ways our society is starting to unravel, just as Eastern regimes have come apart. Our families are in serious trouble. Children say, “We don’t want to live by the traditions of our parents.” Concerned dads and moms respond, “If we try to bend that far, we’ll break!”

Many North Americans are losing faith in the political process. Crime is on the increase. The moral decline in America is alarming. And because no nation can sin with impunity, many Christians wonder if judgment isn’t coming soon.

Some of the changes in our society are positive. This is a time when Christians are joining together to pray in unprecedented numbers. Like Jean Valjean, we say, “Lord, in our need You have always been there.” Perhaps there’s a new river on the run … a revival river flowing from the temple as the prophet describes in Ezekiel 4:7. First it’s ankle-deep, then knee-deep, then up to the waist, and pretty soon deep enough to swim in—a fast-flowing river bringing life and beauty to all in its path!

One way or the other, you can count on this: Change is difficult, even when it’s change for the good. It tends to throw people off balance.

So how do we live through changing times? And, like Daniel, how do we remain faithful to the Lord in the process?

My personal belief is that God makes it possible for His people to be spiritual survivors, even in days of great change. In fact, during such seasons, He has written some of His best tales of the kingdom.

Our Lord is marvelous at using the backdrop of changing times to speak his lines through characters such as Mordecai the Jew in the Book of Esther. In this account, Mordecai is trying to persuade Queen Esther to participate in a dangerous plot to save the Jews from death at the hands of the Persians. He says, in effect, “Esther, sure it’s a tough spot to be in, but you can be a national heroine. Another day, another place, and that might not be true. You’re just another pretty face. But how fortunate you are to have a lead role in this exciting drama. Why, I believe you’ve come to the kingdom for such a time as this!”

———————————————

Sunday’s coming. Do you have your sermon ready? Is it relevant? Will it effectively motivate your congregation to walk more in step with the Master? What about that Sermon Series you’ve been thinking about?

Or, if you’re someone who plans well ahead, have you asked yourself what you will preach for your Easter Sermon, your Advent Sermon, your Christmas Sermon?

David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Saturday or Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions.

We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.

For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.

You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.

Share and Enjoy

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Delicious
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon
  • Add to favorites
  • Email
  • RSS