Click here to read the Old Paths Journal.
In the Mean Time
Luke 12:1
"In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy."
When you read Luke chapter 12, you must remember that Jesus did not preach this sermon at a time when everyone liked Him. No, the sermon that Jesus preached in this chapter came at a time when people were trying to find a way to kill Him. In fact, in the verse above the Scriptures say, "In the mean time..." Even though there were people in the crowd trying to catch Him saying something that they could use against Him, He continued His ministry and did not allow their judgmental ways to stop Him.
Throughout life you will find times when people will do everything in their power to try to destroy you. Most of the time it is not because they hate you, it is because they hate the One Whom you serve. Christian, we are in a spiritual war! Though you may not be able to see the war with your eyes, you must trust the Scriptures that warn us that we are constantly at war with the Devil. Because of this, there will be times when people will do hateful things and will try to catch you doing something that they can use against you. In the mean time, there are some things that you should do.
First, in the mean time, don't run and hide. One of the reasons why your enemies are being so hateful is to get you to run and hide. Like Nehemiah, you must not come down from your work and hide from those who would try to destroy what you are doing for God. Most of what the enemy does is to try to bluff you into running. Don't run just because people are out to destroy you.
Second, in the mean time, continue doing what you've always done. Don't change your routines just because people are out to destroy you. Whatever you did to become successful is what you must do to stay successful. If you change your routine, then you allow the enemy to have their way. When the enemy is trying to find a way to destroy you, keep preaching, soul winning, walking with God and living the way you have always lived. Daniel kept his routine when he knew people were trying to destroy him, likewise, you must keep doing what you've always done.
Last, and in the mean time, help people. The whole purpose of the ministry is to help people. Keep influencing people for right by helping them. It is hard to destroy someone who is helping people. Yes, it may be a little tough as you look over your shoulder and see the enemy watching everything you do, but you must keep helping those whom God sent you to help.
Christian, if you do anything for God in your lifetime, then you will have a time when someone will be out to destroy you. When this happens, take the advice above and follow it. Remember, God is in control! God is stronger than the enemy, so if you do what pleases Him, then He will continue to guide and help you, "In the mean time..."