Thursday Devotion: Luke 21:5-19

Stand strong.

Stand tall.

Know that Jesus has your back!

Things may look dreary now. There may be times when we lose sight of the light that flashes at the end of the tunnel, but rest assured that the light is everlasting--it hasn't moved, it still shines, beckoning us forward! We have a promise from God in the death and resurrection that cannot be taken away from us. So, stand fast my friends. Times may be troublesome now, but we can rest on God's word that all will be taken care of; all things will work out in our favor for the Lord is with us.

Together we can hold fast to these promises.

Together we can overcome the short-lived problems of our day.

Together we will rise above the darkness of this world and inherit the kingdom.

Today, tomorrow, and 20 years from now the promises hold true. We were provided life through Christ that we might live freely in the world. It is our job to carry that message to the people. Make the world aware of the truth that has set us free. In the shadow of a tough day, a hard night, a turbulent life we can rest assured that Jesus is providing us with a foundation from which to thrive. There are no promises of an easy life, but we will be provided for... "not a hair will be harmed."

God's got us. Let us live like the free people we are, and allow that light to shine through us.

Luke 21:5-19 New International Version

⁵ Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, ⁶ “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”
⁷ “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”
⁸ He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. ⁹ When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”
¹⁰ Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹ There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
¹² “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. ¹³ And so you will bear testimony to me. ¹⁴ But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. ¹⁵ For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. ¹⁶ You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. ¹⁷ Everyone will hate you because of me. ¹⁸ But not a hair of your head will perish. ¹⁹ Stand firm, and you will win life.