The days are progressing, and time is moving at such a rapid pace that I fear it has dazed many of us---blinding people to the gravity of the paradigm shift that is happening around us. And even more, blinding ones to the reality that a significant change is perhaps taking place within them. Now, it is more clear to me why Jesus, while at the Garden called Gethsemane and hours away from the most excruciating time of His life, instructed His disciples who accompanied him to “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation”. Jesus understood that in times of pressure and tension people are more vulnerable to temptation---the kind of temptation that provokes one to betray their convictions and abandon their values. You and I don’t have to search far to see the effects of the tensions and pressures brought on by COVID-19, social unrest, and what has become a political blood bath. Sadly, many have given into the temptation of anger, self-righteousness, rage, revenge, restlessness, unforgiveness, fear, and even hatred. Personally, it’s hard to witness the abandonment of good character, Christian values, and simple human decency all because of challenging times. Yet, God is faithful and makes it clear that we don’t have to fall victim to the tumultuous winds of our day. As a matter of fact, Jesus shared a principal that assured His followers that if they would both hear and perform His words---follow His principals, then they (we) would be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock (Matt. 7:24-25). My friend, you do not have to fall because of this storm; simply continue to follow God’s principles no matter the pressure. The current state of our nation and the boisterous winds that surround us will not always be. When things settle, you want to be left standing with your integrity and having maintained your faith. If you’re like me, you desire God’s affirmation of “Well Done”, not just when we meet Him after this life, but also in tumultuous times like these. Friend, continue to follow God, and most importantly, watch and pray so that you will not give into temptation.
Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak! (Matthew 26:41 NLT)