IT'S ALL RIGHT TO DREAM

"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 waves roaring; 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.  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:25-28.

This sounds almost like a daily newspaper, doesn't it?  All around us are people in despair and discouragement.  Sometimes we are the ones affected.  How can we lift up our heads when life seems so heavy?  How can we be happy when bills are overdue, family members are sick and maybe dying, a hurricane or tornado has just destroyed our home, or a thief has just cleaned our our life savings?  For every disease cured, two more take its place.  Wars and natural disasters are becoming common place.  Banks are going bankrupt.  Businesses are failing.  People are losing jobs, homes and hope.  Suicide is up.  Family stability is down. 

What can we do?

I see three things: first, Luke says to look up when we see these things happening.  In biblical language, this means to look to Jesus for personal help.  To do this we must have a personal relationship with him.  We can look up because he literally and sirituallly carried all our discouragements and hopelessness to the cross, paying the ultimate price in his blood.  Law required a life for a life.  Jesus gave his life; now he gives God's mercy. 

Second, Luke says to lift up your heads.  This is only possible if you have new hope through doing the first thing, which is to look to Jesus for help.  To lift up your head means to take hope, stand up straight, square your shoulders and smile.  Now go forward with confidence that you are not alone, you have God's power working with you; no matter what the circumstances and get ready for better times.

This brings us tothe third thing -- The Lord's soon return.  Not only will God change your circumstances or change you so you can deal with those circumstances, he is returning to set up a new order on the Earth where discouragement will no longer rule.  "Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness", says the song writer.  To face discouragement, turn your face toward Jesus.  He is the hope of the world.

(Presented on "Spirit Alive TV Ministry", Insights Into Scripture October 1994; copyright W.G. Blaisure; Program #263 'It's All right To Dream Again")

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