“Desperate times call for…”
You know the rest: “…desperate measures.” The thought of this cultural proverb is that when adverse circumstances overwhelm, one must resort to whatever actions seem necessary for survival and success. Only problem with this little adage: it’s not biblical (though perhaps it expresses some basic common grace).
Oh to be sure, we live in very desperate times. Adam and Eve, and our own sin, ushered us into this reality. And all of creation has been groaning ever since under God’s curse (see Rom. 8:18-25).
But for Christians living in the hope of Christ’s glorious salvation, desperate times don’t call for desperate measures. Instead, we’re continually called to follow Jesus Christ in the fight of faith. This is the central encouragement we find in John 13-17, as Jesus prepares His disciples for their ministry in His physical absence. He makes clear that trouble and tribulation will come (Jn. 15:18-16:4,33). Jesus likewise makes clear that He is worthy to be trusted and obeyed at all times (Jn. 14:1; 15:7-11). In the daily details of our lives, this is always to be the priority.
Beloved, to further encourage you in this fight of faith, please listen to this recent sermon from Dr. John MacArthur, We Will Not Bow.
And let’s keep loving and praying for one another, as we’re called to follow Jesus in this fight of faith together.
Because He lives, and is returning,
Greg