As I prayed this morning I wondered where I would go with these musings. My Bible margins are full of decades of reflections on the word of God, gathered from multitudes of authors – now unknown. My meditations turned not to where I would go but to where I have been. As I reflected, I began to realize that the entire New Testament was written in a context of present or impending turmoil. To be a Christian was to put your life in danger. The words of Paul and Peter and John were forged amidst trials both present and anticipated. Being a servant of the living God is not an immunity from tribulation. (Some Christians even falsely teach that Christians will escape the tribulation of the last days.) This is a planet in rebellion, this is the realm of sin, sickness and suffering and we bear our witness as actors in the “theatre of the universe” – put on display in the “arena” Paul tells us.(1 Cor 4:9 NIV)

 How we live becomes a vindication of the character of God in what is the great controversy between Christ & satan. As we have reflected on the writings from Isaiah, Jeremiah, David, or Moses, or any other author old or new testament, it becomes evident that we must bear our trials as those who have chosen to live by faith in a world that us passing away. “We are moving toward a better country,” is Paul’s summary of life in Hebrews 11 & 12. “Keep your eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfector of your faith.” Keep looking up not around. If you are going through hard times, then just keep going. We are wanderers on our way home.