And you're receiving this message because you
opted in to be encouraged. I'm thinking today
of 1 Thessalonians 5 .3. It says, While people
are saying, peace and safety, destruction will
come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant
woman, and they will not escape. Jesus, of course,
is talking about the second coming, the ultimate
justice, and also the ultimate delivery of grace.
When it's all said and done, this will be one
of the greatest upheavals. the kind of thing
that we all might want to avoid. But here they
are crying peace and safety, and it makes the
gospel look harsh to think that Jesus will come
again and the judgment will ensue and people
who were crying peace and safety will not get
what they were asking for. At the same time,
think about a pregnant woman. Well, pregnant
women, as they come to the end of their pregnancy,
they know they could experience labor pains at
any time. And so the truth is, while they're
crying peace and safety, somewhere within them
they know that things can't go on the way they
are forever. There will be a change. Whatever
you're going through today, as difficult as it
may be, be encouraged. God loves you, and he's
taking you to a place in a way that will bless
you beyond what you can understand, beyond what
I can understand. And we can experience a great
peace on earth just knowing that's true. but
there will be those who are crying out peace
and safety. Even those who are crying out, Lord,
Lord, Jesus says, who will not enter into the
kingdom of heaven, but rather those who love
God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and do the
will of their Father the best they know how through
his Son, Jesus Christ. Let that be us. God bless
you today. Be encouraged.