Vision and Grit

How would we describe our condition as the children of the nation of Israel today? Are we still the hardy people that sent explorers into the world and established colonies in far off places? Are we still the rugged frontiersmen that conquered the Western half of the United States? Have all our technological advancements made us stronger and hardier and better able to cope with the inconveniences and irritations of life? 

Physically, we live in relative comfort, complacent with virtually every need met. There are some exceptions but by comparison to third world countries we have it pretty good, so good in fact that people risk life and limb trying to sneak across our borders to come here for just a chance at the life we have. You might say, we have dominion over all creation as we were instructed.

Yet…

We get irritated when they get our order wrong at Starbucks. Here we are blessed beyond measure that we can afford to pay 5 bucks for a cup of coffee and we are outraged when the kid behind the counter who is doing the best he can doesn’t get our double-shot, half-caff, pumpkin spice latte with almond milk and just a smidge of caramel exactly perfect.

We get aggravated when the driver next to us won’t let us merge, or worse we’re the one looking straight ahead refusing to even acknowledge the other guy’s existence. We forget about the comfort and convenience owning an automobile affords.

We get incensed at the grocery store when someone leaves their shopping cart in the middle of the aisle blocking the way. We get annoyed when the checkout clerk doesn’t thank us or the cashier at Walmart acts like they’re doing us a favor by taking our money. Or worse, we have to check out ourselves! Self-checkout, pffft! Forgetting to be thankful that the shelves are stocked full with every staple and delicacy imaginable.

We feel oppressed when every single time we go to the doctor we have to review our statement meticulously to be sure we were charged properly and become infuriated when we have to call six times to get to the right person to straighten it out. Forgetting that we have some of the best health care in the world and the people administering our health insurance and applying the charges barely understand it themselves.

And don’t even think about the Wi-Fi going down or the electricity going out! We might have to interact with the people in our family. “Hey, when did our son become a senior in high school?”

 We become worn out when we have to be around “people” while we’re running our errands. Our energy is drained and “peopled” has become a verb. It’s a condition. We’ve been “peopled” and need to rest and recover from over-exposure to “people”. Forgetting that every other person is “peopled” by our presence, we don’t take the time to meet these unknown potential friends.

If we aren’t emotionally mature enough to handle these petty infractions, how are we going to endure the real hardships that are coming our way?

Jesus Christ told us that at the time of the end there will be terrible times such as never seen before or ever will be again, even to the point that man will completely annihilate himself unless He steps in to stop it.

He also told us not to be surprised when we see these terrible things happening because He told us ahead of time. 

In the Olivet Prophecy Christ told us what to expect – 
(Matt 24; Mark 13; Luke 21)

Luke 21:7-19 KJV(7)  And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?(8)  And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.(9)  But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.(10)  Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:(11)  And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.(12)  But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.(13)  And it shall turn to you for a testimony.(14)  Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:(15)  For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.(16)  And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.(17)  And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.(18)  But there shall not an hair of your head perish.(19)  In your patience possess ye your souls.

Patience here in the Greek means the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith by even the greatest trials and sufferings - Perseverance, endurance, even cheerful or hopeful endurance.

Luke 21:25-28 KJV(25)  And 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 sea and the waves roaring;(26)  Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.(27)  And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.(28)  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

False Christs – religions that claim to be Christian but are not
Famines – 831M people undernourished; 19K will die today of starvation
Pestilence (disease) – 10M people will die of infectious diseases this year and another 40M will die of non-communicable diseases (cancer, heart disease, etc.)
War and rumors of war – 42 conflicts each having 100 or more deaths in the last year
Earthquakes – Avg. of 1630 earthquakes of 5.0 or greater each year
Lawlessness – and not just God’s Law but the Rule of Law man set up to govern polite society. Who even wants to be a policeman anymore? Always under scrutiny, now on camera, second-guessed, Monday morning quarterbacked by people who weren’t there and have never experienced having to make a life and death decision in a split-second. 

Betrayal by our own family, friends, and even brethren – turned in by our own friends and family
Persecution and Martyrdom – estimated 900,000 Christians martyred in the last decade

Mat 24:33-34 KJV(33)  So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.(34)  Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

The generation that sees all these things will experience the great Tribulation.

Similarly, Paul describes what it will be like in the last days.

2Tim 3:1-5 KJV
(1)  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]
dangerous times
distressing times

(2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, 
selfish
[utterly] self-centered
love only themselves

"Selfie" was named as word of the year by the Oxford Dictionary in 2013.

covetous, 
lovers of money
greedy
inordinate desire for wealth

boasters, 
contemptuous boasters
haughty
braggarts

proud, 
stuck-up
conceited
arrogant

blasphemers, 
they will abuse others with insults
use abusive language
censorious (apt to blame or condemn)

disobedient to parents, 
going against the authority of their fathers
disobedient to fathers and mothers
they will curse their parents

unthankful, 
never giving praise
show no gratitude
ungrateful


unholy,
against all that is pleasing to God
have no respect for what is holy
they will consider nothing sacred

(3)  Without natural affection, 
 [They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman)
heartless
They will have no love for others

trucebreakers, 
they will refuse to make peace with anyone
irreconcilable and unforgiving
merciless

false accusers, 
they will talk about others to hurt them
malicious gossips
they will tell lies about people

incontinent, 
without self-control
loose in morals and conduct
utterly and shamelessly immoral

fierce, 
savage
unmerciful
cruel

Beyonce’s sensual and aggressive stage persona alter ego – “Sasha Fierce”


despisers of those that are good,
hate what is good 
hate everything that is good
opposed to goodness


(4)  Traitors, 
treacherous betrayers
people will turn against their friends
they will betray their friends

heady, 
acting without thought
reckless
they will do foolish things without thinking 

highminded, 
inflated with self-conceit
think they are better than others
haughty and self-important

lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God
loving pleasure more than God
they will love what pleases them instead of loving God


(5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Do we witness any of these things today? Yes, I would say that we do. This and even more. Sometimes we shake our heads in disbelief. We shake our heads in disgust. We sigh and cry at what has become of our fellow man. 

Yet does any one of us think that things will get better? Does any one of us think that things will improve with the next election, with the next scientific discovery, with the next technological advancement? 

We live in a nation that considers itself a godly nation, a form of godliness anyway. Our President considers himself a godly man. The evangelicals, as they’re called nowadays, consider themselves godly people. But I would think they would hardly consider us one of their own when push comes to shove. Their acid test of a true believer is the Trinity. 

This same group of “Christians” considers the Catholic Church to be counted among their number. When the total number of Christians in the world is cited as 2 billion, half of them are Catholics. We would not be considered of like mind with them either.

Today we see those who claim the name of Christ drifting further and further away from the true doctrine He taught the apostles and was clearly inspired to be written in his word the Holy Bible. It isn’t too far fetched to imagine a time when we will be considered intolerant and judgmental and must be stamped out.

Yes, we will be considered outcasts by those deceived by false Christs and false prophets. But we are to continue on in the faith once delivered to the saints. As these things take place, we will not be unaffected. Moreover, we will be center stage, front and center as the scapegoat for all that is wrong with the world. 

2Tim 3:12-15 KJV(12)  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.(13)  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.(14)  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;(15)  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

We Must Press On

This life we live in the flesh is only temporary. We may have aches and pains. We may have family issues. We may have financial issues. We may have health issues. These are all for our good. They are lessons for us to learn. They may not seem like it at the time but they are. 

1Pet 4:12-19 KJV(12)  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:(13)  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.(14)  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.(15)  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.(16)  Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.(17)  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?(18)  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?(19)  Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

We must not succumb to the chaos around us. We must not sink into despair and commit godless acts. We must remain calm firmly rooted in the faith. We must develop moral courage and mental toughness. Having a firm foundation on the Rock of Jesus Christ. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. 

Viktor Frankl in his classic book, Man’s Search for Meaning, describes what it was like in the concentration camps during the holocaust of WWII. He contrasts those who made it through with those who didn’t. All were exposed to the same conditions. All were stripped naked. All were fed a crust of bread and a cup of water a day. All were worked to death in the camps under the cruelest of conditions. 

None had control over their circumstances. Some made it. Some didn’t. While there was some luck involved or as we would call it, divine intervention, there was a distinct characteristic of those who survived. 

They took control of the one thing, the only thing they could control, their thoughts. They refused to give up hope. He found that one’s mental focus and mindset made all the difference.

Those who made it invariably found deep within a burning reason they had to make it out. Every last one of them found purpose in something outside themselves – to see a loved one again, to accomplish an important lifelong goal, to see to it that another person made it through, through acts of love and kindness to demonstrate hope to others. In every case, they took their focus off of themselves and placed it on a higher purpose, another person, another’s wellbeing. They each had a vision of a calling greater than themselves.

Rom 5:1-5 KJV(1)  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:(2)  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.(3)  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;(4)  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:(5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy [Spirit] which is given unto us.

We look to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. We look to the Kingdom of God as our ultimate destiny.

Angela Duckworth performed a study where she analyzed why some people succeed in life and others didn’t despite having similar opportunities. It wasn’t their talent or their IQ. The smartest didn’t always excel. It didn’t matter what their economic or family background was. In every case what made the difference was that those who excelled didn’t let setbacks get them down. In every case they persevered. They were more resilient than those who gave up. They had determination and grit.

They didn’t perceive failure as permanent. They viewed it as temporary and a reason to correct their course and to try again. Those who didn’t do as well were more pessimistic. They viewed failure as a permanent condition, one that was out of their control, and they saw themselves as just a loser, not meant to succeed.

Despite the obstacles and trials, those that went on to accomplish great things had a solid vision of their goal and continually picked themselves back up after being knocked down and pressed on.

Paul tells us, “...but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Php 3:13-14)

Brethren we need to develop our vision and grit! It can be learned. It can be developed. And it can be taught to our children.

We need a vision of the Kingdom that is so clear and certain that we will do whatever it takes to get there. 

Make your vision of the Kingdom so clear that your fears become irrelevant.

Whether that vision is just of what it will be like to be a spirit being in the Kingdom or something more specific, we need to have a burning desire to do all we can to still be standing when the smoke clears.

Eph 6:13 NIrV  So put on all of God's armor. Evil days will come. But you will be able to stand up to anything. And after you have done everything you can, you will still be standing. [Stand therefore!]

Eph 6:13-14 AMP(13)  Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].(14)  Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,

Maybe we have a burning desire to see a loved one again. Maybe we never got to know our child that didn’t survive. Maybe our Mom or Dad or sister or brother or wife never knew the truth and we‘ve got to be there for them when they come up in the second resurrection.

Whatever it is that motivates you, find it!

2Cor 4:15-18 KJV(15)  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.(16)  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.(17)  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;(18)  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

We don’t focus on the immediate. We focus on the ultimate. If you can lay hold of what is ultimate, then you can deal with what is immediate. If you focus only on the immediate and forget what is the ultimate, you will not be able to deal with the issues that face you and you will be overwhelmed indeed.

We focus on the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matt 6:33) We focus on loving God with all our heart, all our mind, all our soul, and all our strength. And we love others as much as we do ourselves. We take our eyes off “self” and fix them on the Kingdom of God and the welfare of others. 

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Php 2:4 NKJV)

Training

We are in training for the Kingdom of God. 

Who will we be dealing with in the Kingdom of God? That’s right. People.

Guess what, there’s billions of people all around us we can practice on now.

Instead of allowing ourselves to be upset or offended, practice patience, practice kindness, practice compassion.

Instead of making a fuss about your messed-up latte, say a kind word to the kid about how busy things are and endure drinking your latte anyway. 

Instead, of huffing about the shopping cart or the checkout cashier, strike up a conversation about how many types of orange juice there are to choose from. Ask the cashier how long she’s been on her feet. Wish her a nice day.

Instead of honking at the guy who won’t let you merge and shaking your fist at him (or similar), give him the pleading prayer look to let you in. He will feel better about how magnanimous he was today and you’ll get to merge.

Instead of running a stream of negative self-talk about the people all around you when you’re running errands think about how they’re people just like you trying to get things done for their families while facing the same struggles you do every day. A smile and a kind word goes a long way. Try it.

I also suggest we take this time between Holy Day seasons to shore up our convictions and develop a sense of purpose bigger than ourselves. Put our plan together to get closer to God than ever before. To do all possible to develop our Christian character with all diligence. 

When it all collapses, it’s all going to go down suddenly in an instant, within a month’s time. Two scriptures tell us that.

Isa 30:13 KJV (13)  Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.

Hos 5:5-7 KJV(5)  And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them.(6)  They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them.(7)  They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.

Plan your routines and rituals around what you know you need to do. 
Continue to study to show yourself approved, learning to rightly divide the word of God. 

It’s really simple. Notice I didn’t say it was easy. I said it’s simple. Sometimes I think the only thing getting in our way is us.

The conclusion of the whole matter is, fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecc 12:13)

Do justly. Love mercy. And walk humbly with thy God. (Mic 6:8) 

We already know what we need to do. We know where we can do better. 

We just need to do it!

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (Jas 4:17 KJV)

Plan time into your schedule for regular Bible study. Lock it in. Don’t change it. 

Plan time into your schedule for regular prayer. Lock it in. Don’t change it. 

Plan time into your schedule for fasting, meditation, reading. 

Read books relevant to learning and improving your mindset and character. 
If you don’t know what books to read ask your brethren what they are reading. I’ll give you two right now that were a great help to me – 

Man's Search for Meaning - by Viktor Frankl

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance - by Angela Duckworth

Leaders are readers. And readers are leaders.

We’re going to be leaders in the Kingdom of God. We can start by learning to be leaders now. We can train now for the difficult times that lie ahead in this life to help our brethren and our fellow man. 


The military, the police, the first-responders have proven that when crisis hits you don’t rise to the occasion in the middle of an emergency. You sink to the level of your training. So, don’t think that you’ll be ready for all the hardships that lie ahead if you haven’t been conditioning yourself to deal with them now. I’m not talking about physical conditioning, though that would be helpful too. I’m talking about mental and spiritual conditioning.

God is working a work in you. Let Him. Submit yourself to God and obey the leading of his Holy Spirit. And be diligent to make your calling and election sure. (2Pet 1:10)

Conclusion

The end is closer than it’s ever been. I encourage us all to get ready now. One morning we’ll wake up to a very different world and there will be no time to prepare then. 

There will be death and destruction and chaos all around us as events unfold. It won’t make any sense, except when viewed through the lens of God’s truth. We will witness the best in man as some will die heroes in sacrifice for others. We’ll also witness the worst in man as they do unspeakable things to their fellow man in an effort to save themselves. It will be an extremely traumatic thing to see.

There will be tremendous heartache and sorrow but know this, weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. (Psa 30:5) 

Do we think we’re ready?

When we see such things, when we’re personally attacked, when we experience trials, will we question God? Will we question our faith? 

When Stephen was being stoned, did he ask, “Why me? What did I do to deserve this? What did I do to offend you LORD?” Or did he know that he was in right standing with God and trust that God meant it for good?

Each of us needs to reach the same perfect certainty. Confident in our relationship with God and Jesus Christ. We must know and be perfectly certain of our faith that God loves us and has our best interest at heart. 

We must be perfectly certain of the truths we’ve been taught, unquestioning, unwavering. We must be certain in our right standing with God. Worthy to stand before Christ in that day.

Luke 21:36 KJV  Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

When all these things come to pass people will be looking for a port in the storm. They will be looking for that one place where they can find peace and calm. They will yearn for someone they can turn to who is not forlorn and in distress as they are. They will be looking for answers. They will need someone who can bring meaning and perspective to their situation.

We must be resilient. If we’re as upset as they are then we’re no different than they are. Why would they embrace the cause of Christ when we’re in the same predicament as they are and just as forlorn? We may be in the same predicament but our outlook will be different.

When they see everything falling apart, we see everything falling into place. 

By the joy in our faces, they will see that we are different. They will see our faith. They will see Christ in us.

When Philip asked Jesus to “show us the Father and it suffices us”, Christ told him, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.” (John 14:9) 

And our attitude should be, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Christ.”

John 16:33 KJV  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

We need to practice being cheerful now. We need to practice kindness now. We need to cultivate calmness now. We need to seek serenity now. We need to pursue peace now. 

We will need to project tranquility on to those with whom we come in contact during the Tribulation. We need to be the calm in the storm for those around us. Not a contributor to the chaos.

2Cor 6:3-10 KJV(3)  Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:(4)  But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,(5)  In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;(6)  By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy [Spirit], by love unfeigned,(7)  By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,(8)  By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;(9)  As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;(10)  As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luk 21:28 KJV)