Following God in Turmoil

“Pandemic”, “Unemployment”, “Riots” have made worldwide headlines frequently. Even those developed countries in Europe and North America are no exception. How can we see God’s work and will in such circumstances? It’s only possible by following God closely.

In good times, we take it as God’s blessing and think we have seen God. However, in difficult times we are busy reacting to pandemic, unemployment and riots and hence preoccupied with complaints and bitterness that our eyes are blinded and cannot see God. We even forget God altogether. First of all, we should know that we are already at the end times today. Our Lord Jesus has taught us to watch and pray, lest we enter into temptation. To “watch” means to see what God is doing and what His will is, rather than being tossed to and fro by the disputes from the world’s shaking.

Meanwhile, we should hold the “Two-Kingdom view”: one belongs to God while the other is of Satan. From the book of Revelation, we know that at the end times Satan’s kingdom will face judgment and there will be many problems in the world. If we set our eyes on the world, we will be deceived. We should see ourselves in God’s Kingdom. Regardless of how shaken the world is, we panic not. Besides understanding the current situation, we must have hope, because we are companions in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:9). During the time of Satan’s kingdom being judged and the earth being shaken, we inevitably encounter hardship, such as the pandemic going in Hong Kong. But in God’s Kingdom, as long as we keep following God closely, we shall not be shaken but enjoy great peace instead.

How to prepare ourselves to have faith and hope amid turmoil? Truly, without the “Two-Kingdom view” we are unsure of the current situation, we start to doubt and question ourselves, wondering if curses have fallen upon us or even grumbling against God. If we know the turmoil is a result of Satan’s kingdom facing judgement, we will be quiet and patient and fulfill our responsibilities. Moreover, we hold fast to God, follow Him, admit of man’s sinful nature, plead for His mercy, then surely the storm shall pass from us.

We are not to be tossed to and fro by the wind of the world nor be deceived. We should see God and follow Him. Our life and capacity should mature. We are to be simple yet not ignorant, have both faith and reasoning. We follow the Holy Spirit and become well-versed in God’s word and truth by which we abide. Also, we should be well aware that God is full of grace and He is the living God, a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6). For instance, we had a retreat with MG leaders at the end of last year on the cruise. We embarked in Shenzhen, being totally unaware of the outbreak of the coronavirus starting in mainland China. It’s all by God’s grace that we could return in peace.

Recently I have received from God that our church will face difficulties at the end times. At 10:08 pm on the 28th April, I saw that God visited my place in a bright cloud. He knows our need in turmoil and He is surely with us, and we should arise and follow Him. Right after my first public sharing of this experience at the preaching on May 31, we read on Matthew 17 during the following morning devotion on June 2 (Tuesday). The verse “a bright cloud” appeared, telling us to stand firm in the faith of following God at the end times and to have a life as Kingdom’s people!

Dear brothers and sisters, the world may be more and more shaken in the coming days. We have to believe that God is in our midst and we do not fear. We follow God closely and peace will surely be with us.•[2020.06.07]