In a fog, it is not bright headlights that help to show the way. It is the low level light that helps us identify minute by minute where the road is where we should be driving. As we should be, we are all listening and tuning into the powerful 'words' spoken in these times. Words of encouragement, inspiration, and challenge are always needed.
God actually used a very tough time of captivity to Babylon to restore His own role in Israel. Jeremiah 51 is a promise of deliverance. God did not intend to leave the Israelites to their enemy any longer than it took for them to turn to Him for help. This word was given to any of those who would listen. God gave instructions through Jeremiah of how they were to wait.
They were to raise their banner (don't give in - know you are in CHRIST - no other). Sharpen their swords (study the Word - for powerful discernment of man's ideas and thinking and what is of the Spirit, divine life giving truth). Oil their shields (to be anointed, saturated with Holy Spirit). Rehearse who God is to them and what good things He has done. We are always to be giving our testimonies, our reports even when we are facing times much like Babylon.
When life seems much like the Spirit of Egypt described in Isaiah 19 we need to know God has always had a plan. Like a dark cloud deception threatens to overwhelm the Word, which has ever been a light to 'our feet.' The bright sunlight and sunsets are sometimes very blinding. There are times when life is a bit of a fog when we need the light that identifies minute by minute where the road is where we should be driving. It is a time of slowing down to navigate the straight narrow way to go. It doesn't matter how broad the way if we go to far right or left we can miss the safety of the road already established and found true. Very concerned our listening for everything spoken or written, to be filtered through the foundations of truth that have been so faithful to help the body of Christ navigate sound doctrine. Sloppy, careless navigation when what appears to be something fresh and brilliant could actually be disastrous. Straight paths are still to be desired over every wind of doctrine.
It is always a good time to be carefully listening and examining what is being said in light of what was, is, and always has provided a solid foundation. Ours ears need to be hearing carefully discerning voices. But the voices need to be more than an opinion. An opinion is only as valuable as the evidence and experience that formed it. The straying away from what builds and maintains foundational doctrine affects everyone and everything. The rock is doesn't move like the sand does every time the tide changes. Let's be content to stay with the rock that is sure.
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