Entrenched in the mire or a sojourner higher.

     Who are you?  You are either stuck in the mire or you soar above it all.   Either you are caught up in all of the drama or you mentally take a step out.  It’s only one small step.  You don’t have to partake (in a free country that is) of anything you don’t want to.  It’s always your choice. 

     It’s as simple as getting yourself out of the rain.  Either you seek cover or use an umbrella, or you get soaked.  That brings to mind the song “Singing in the Rain”.  “What a glorious felling, I’m happy again.”  What I’m getting at is that you can actually escape most of the heartaches of this life and not only that you can soar high above them and actually feel happy.

     You can look at your circumstances from 14,000 feet above and you are better to see all of your options.  I remember in my youth I was backed into a corner about decisions that I had to make.  I felt that I was high up on the side of a mountain on a cliff and nowhere to go.  Every situation is different.  But I realized that I was there because of previous decisions that I had made.  At that point I was fighting against God’s perfect plan for my life.  When I realized that, I was willing to give up on my dreams, and I was able to make some rational decisions on how to go forward. 

     I could have continued to push forward, since I am an extremely strong person mentally, but it would have gotten worse and worse.  I simply gave up and gave it all to God. 

     I’m sure you all have the sense that the Lord is coming back soon.  The world situation also is going to get worse and worse.  That’s because the world as a whole doesn’t look to the Lord for counsel.  The world system rejects God (The Creator of all) and does it their way.  Those who choose not to go the way of the world can escape it’s clutches for so long.  Meaning you live within your means and keep your expenses low. You don’t overeat and eat the right kind of foods. You have a good work ethic and you're not a couch potato. You have made your peace with God, and you have inner peace within. But you prepare for the worst. 

     But the truth is this is not our home.  The kingdom we reside in is not of this world.  What I’m saying is that in our day-to-day life we can escape the clutches, the tenacles, of the world system.  But ultimately the world will have its way in the here and now.

     It’s kind of like when Jesus died.  All of the demons rejoiced because they thought they had the victory.  But alas.  We know how it ended.  Jesus went in the bowels of the earth and released those who were true to him, and he rose on the 3rd day. 

     In like manner at the end of the age.  It will appear that all is lost.  Many martyrs there will be.  But they will be clothed in white, for eternity.

     My dear soul.  Read the words of scripture often.  Hold fast to those truths and reject anything that is contrary, no matter how sensible and secure it seems.  Know that you are a pilgrim and a sojourner here.  In most cases you can step out of the rain.  When the bad storms arise, and it isn’t possible to find cover, totally trust in Him. 

     Whether it’s relational or financial or health wise or you find yourself facing martyrdom at the end of the age, look up, for your redemption draws neigh.