God’s Pursuing Love in Times of Crisis

Christ never stops pursuing unbelieving hearts.

Difficult times can cause people to pull back the drapes of their life to seek comfort, security, and spiritual truth. They become opportunities to allow the Light of Christ to stream through the window of their soul.

When viewed through the lens of divine mercy and grace, difficult times can be embraced. Trust in God’s promises deepens through adversity. Perseverance, character, and hope are produced through suffering (Romans 5:3-4). Fruits of the Spirit ripen from within redeemed souls who are firmly rooted in Christ. Those who are spiritually hunger and thirst for Truth will notice the fruits of peace, patience, and kindness and inquire of its source.

As a believer in Christ, moments of adversity can be embraced. Are you ready to provide an answer for the hope you have in Christ when anybody asks?

Christ’s pursuing love is perfect and unrelenting. He often demonstrates his power and glory to let us know that he is the Lord and Redeemer instead of ourselves.

Earthquakes are a good example.

Last week, the epicenter of a 6.5 earthquake occurred 73 miles north of my house in southwest Idaho. Some people described its arrival like a large truck barreling down the road. A jolt lasting a few seconds was followed by a gentle rolling that caused chandeliers to sway back and forth. It felt like your house was sitting on top of a large bowl of Jello.

We were at the mercy of a powerful force of nature. It was scary, slightly fun, and something you would rather not experience again.

The Lord can provide snapshots of his power and glory today to re-enforce portraits of the future.

There are probably no greater portraits than the descriptive and prophetic words found in the book of Revelation.

 “Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

Hallelujah!

For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!

For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.

Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.”

[Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.]

Then the angel said to me, “Write this: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

Revelation 19:6-9

The prophetic portraits of Christ’s second coming will be more powerful and stunning than an earthquake.

It will be more impactful than any pandemic.

The day of our Lord is coming. We have been properly forewarned.

How we embrace the future helps us with the present.

Like a potential groom that seduces with riches, glamour, and beauty, the world courts unsuspecting brides with lies and false hope.

Those who turn to the world for answers, trust in kings for security and provision, or rely on their intelligence and good works will be disappointed.

Those who believe in Christ and trust in his promises wait expectantly for his return.

Faith focuses on the future joys of heaven.

When difficult times seem overwhelming or doubts prompt us to question if Christ can deliver on his promises, Jesus could reply, “If I can? Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:23)

And like the father whose son was delivered from evil spirits, we can reply, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)

And Jesus delivers.

It’s natural to panic and struggle with faith during times of crisis.

How are we going to respond?

Embrace Truth.

We are entering Holy Week during a time of national crisis. We are feeling the effects of social distancing, constant bad news, and pronouncements that this will be a bad week as a result of the corona virus.

Embracing truth means holding on to something firm and solid to ride out the earthquake and not fear.

The cross reminds us of Truth.

Christ continues to pursue because his perfect love is relentless. His invitation to unbelievers come with the words, “Your sins are fully forgiven. Believe!” His words are not just a proposal or an invitation, but they have the power to create faith, provide assurance, and sustain hope.

“Believe!”  

In God’s wisdom and purpose for his church, he uses believers to help spread the Word in an unbelieving world – especially during difficult times.

A living faith is willing to engage people for the sake of the gospel.

An active faith is willing to invite people despite outward appearances.

A trusting faith delivers invitations. They are willing to say, “Everything is ready. Christ has done it all for you to be right with God. Trust his love. He has sacrificed himself for you. His has risen! Believe.”

Faith anticipates the future joys of heaven.

Secure in Christ’s righteousness, faith embrace the present despite its sorrows and concerns.

Faith stops looking in the mirror and frets but looks out the window with Christ’s pursuing love and sees the lost.

With a renewed sense of urgency, believers share the gospel message with others.

I think that’s what Christ would ask us to do right now.