A Word for the Weary

 Lately I've been buckling under the load of unbearable weight. The stresses of life have deadened my limbs, work has wearied my back, delayed promises from God have slown my feet; and I 'm tired. Week after week I've been weak. As an introvert I tire easily,  and have a job where I'm constantly around people, some who demand much from me.

On top of this all , I haven't been taking care of myself, getting little rest and eating unhealthily. The sorrow  of the world sags upon me. Everything has piled up and suddenly I'm crashing. In the midst of all this, I've heard Jesus speak

" I know you have little strength"

This sentence has replayed in my mind throughout the weeks of my stress. Although I knew it came from the book of Revelation, I paid little attention to it. Until today.  This morning I decided to look up the verse in it's entirety and am shocked at what I've found.

All you need is Love

Jesus said these exact words in a letter to the church of Philadelphia.  Here's some background information about the letter: Over the course of 2 chapters, Jesus addresses 7 churches. (Some Bible scholars believe each church represents the actual 2000 history of Christianity ) Jesus praises 6 of the churches and rebukes 6. Out of all the churches, Philadelphia is the only one Jesus  doesn't rebuke. Why is this?  In terms of church history, Philadelphia represents the modern evangelical church; Philadelphia is home to those who are born again and genuinely believe. (Though the other churches have genuine believers within them, only Philadelphia represents the church in it's purest form) Because the Philadelphians believe in Christ, God does not see their sin. Moreover, the name Philadelphia also means "city of  brotherly love", perhaps because the believer's genuinely love with Christ's love . Thus because love covers a multitude of sin, Jesus does not mention the sin of the church(1 Peter 4:8).

The church of Philadelphia was suffering great persecution. yet they patiently endured thier trial. I have also felt tried these past few years and especially past few months. I look around and see that I'm not alone. The world groans beneath the oppression of sin and it seems we've all been relentlessly hit with tales of tragedy, violence and hate. But to those who belong to Jesus, he says:

See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.11I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

A Word 

This is a word for the hour. I realize that my struggles aren't always about me alone. Sometimes I suffer for the sake of others...sometimes the Church suffers together as a Body so that we may comfort others who hurt.  All of Revelation 3:9-11 is for me,  and for the whole Bride of Christ. I believe the Lord says the time for vindication and reward has come. What has been lost, the Lord is about to restore. Even your enemies, betrayers, and persecutors are about to see you exalted. They will fall at your feet and acknowledge that God has loved you. Bride ,you have had little strength but your Bridegroom is coming. Because you have honored him and have clung to his name despite attacks, God will reward you.

 The signs of the times say Jesus is coming soon (Matthew 24). The hour of trial known as the the 7 year tribulation will spring upon the earth(Daniel 9:24-27, Matthew 24:21; ) but the Church will not be a part of it because we aren't appointed to suffer God's wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9)[1]. Soon Jesus will come to take us where he is, as well as fix our earthly problems now. He has good plans for each of us. Yes, he will open doors to your dreams, as well as doors to heaven. On the earth, what you have longed for, God will soon give you.  Get ready Church----the Lord comes. He comes to bless you, restore you, increase you and give you favor now, and in heaven. He will come into every dry area of your life and water it afresh. This will all happen soon, says the Lord. 

[1] For more information about the tribulation, see this excellent resource:
https://gracethrufaith.com/end-times-prophecy/seven-things-you-have-to-know-to-understand-end-times-prophecy-part-1/