3 Choices We Make in the Present That Will Impact the Future

When we look over history, we find that there are numerous periods of “dark times” through which our nation has walked.  The Spanish Flu…the great depression… attack on Pearl Harbor…the Vietnam war…9/11… and most recently COVID-19.  Isn’t it interesting that our perspective tends to change during desperate times? 

Consider this question: what did we do before desperate times that helps us during desperate times?   For example, planting gardens and canning a lot of the harvest prepares a family for leaner times with food in the pantry.  This is a physical preparation, but what about spiritual preparations?

The book of Ruth opens during the time of Judges…a very dark and confusing time.  It is very much a desperate time.  Israel spends much time running from God and experiencing God’s loving chastening. We might think…how bad could it have been?  Look at Judges 21:25!  This passage is a vivid picture of the time of Ruth, and yet a growing picture of our own modern-day society.  It is critical that we examine the choices we make today to see how they impact our choices of future “desperate times.”

Famine

Many a pastor has found himself in a similar situations to the following account.  He knows he is an ill-equipped, under-educated, time-strapped preacher.  And sometimes, the  church has no money to pay him regularly, the church building is worn and in need of repair….and to top it all off there is barely enough attendance to bother with weekly meetings.

Desperate times.  Many a pastor can give testimony to God’s powerful working – turning desperate times around for the glory of God.  How?  How does that “turning around” happen?  What are the decisions -- in moments of desperation – that become game changers?   Many pastors will point to the church coming together to pray as the game changer.

To whom or to what do you turn to in times of desperation?

Elimelech took desperate measures during these desperate times that were outside the will of God! What were these desperate measures? He moved his family — to Moab. Moab is a pagan country 60 miles east of Judah and the Dead Sea. Look at the description of Moab in the scriptures:

              Psalm 108:9 – “Moab is my washpot”

The Moabites descended from Lot through his incestuous relationship with one of his daughters (Genesis 19:36, 37). 

Moab was an enemy of Israel (Numbers 22; 25; Deuteronomy 23:3-6; Judges 3:12-14).

…and Elimelech was a Hebrew of the tribe of Judah.

These are desperate times indeed…but Elimelech turned to the wrong desperate measure! So.  What should the disciple of Jesus Christ do in desperate times?  How should he do it?  When should he do it?

3 Choices We Are Making Now That Will Determine Our Choices During Desperate Times

  1. PREPARATION

Cultivate a growing relationship with the Lord during times of comfort (II Peter 3:18; Psalm 63:1; I Corinthians 3:1-7).  The time to BEGIN a deeper pursuit of the Lord is NOT during trials – although that is when many will begin pursuing the Lord. 

  • Spiritual workouts prior to trials will grow spiritual muscle for times requiring greater spiritual strength. 

  • The hardest trial will require the heaviest lifting – with regular spiritual workouts, you will be ready for something harder.

  • Cold Hard Facts: If you are BEGINNING a deeper pursuit of the Lord after the arrival of hard times…

2. PLEASING

Walk by faith, not by sight.  No one sees all the answers at the start…or even as they walk forward through the trials (Psalm 119:105).  It is faith in God that pleases God (Hebrews 11:6).

3. POWER

Seek God first (Matthew 6:33)…look for godly counsel (Proverbs 11:14)…the strength of community among a local church family is revealed during crisis.  Does your strength come from relationship with God?

The choices made today will impact your tomorrow.  Live with a stronger eternal view that grows with stronger focus on the Lord every day. 

To watch this sermon, go to my YouTube channel: Reset 2 Reach.