The Coming Storm

The dream I had was just a glimpse. But it was a reminder. A warning.

It happened so quickly. The light was waning. The darkness strove to become all encompassing. The blackness encroached upon the horizon with thick, inky blotches and billows that filled the sky. The atmosphere was oppressive. It filled my view in a matter of seconds. The storm that I knew was coming had arrived. And it was fierce.

It would be easy to succumb to fear. And yet we are asked to stand firm and to remain unshaken. Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of Hosts. The signs are many and increasing daily. As we await the return of our Coming King, Jesus, there is much to contend with. And yet we are called to contend for our faith! Stand fast. Stand firm. Stay rooted in faith. A storm is coming but the Lord is our refuge!

My brothers and sisters in Christ, be encouraged and strengthened as you are reminded of God's truths, his promises, his faithfulness and his steadfast love. Brethren, hold fast unto the Lord:

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62: 5-8

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Collossians 1:11-13

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also be patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
James 5:7-8

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered for a while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:14

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you with his love.
Zephaniah 3:17

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
Ephesians 6:10-18

Do not be afraid of the dark, as we are children of the light! Walk as children of light. Do not hide your eyes for fear. Instead, look up. Your redemption draweth nigh.

Storm clouds photo credit: Nathan O'Nions via photopin
Cross photo from FreeFoto.com