Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:6-7 ESV)
Day in and day out, we wake up, eat, work, go home, rest, and sleep again – and repeat. Many times, we feel “lost in the middle of the forest”, and we do not recognise where we are in life. We do not have a long-term vision for our lives, or if we have, we easily forget our goals. Many things grab our time and attention, but they are not necessarily the crucial things in life. In our busy-ness, we need to take hold of our future to what are essential things. We actually live in exciting times, in the times of “in-between.” We live in between the time of God’s saving action through the cross and God’s coming judgment. We now also experience being in between the first fruits of the Holy Spirit and the fullness of God’s presence. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. (1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV) For now, we see and experience injustice, evil and suffering; in due time, all of them will go away, and we will see God’s reign ultimately. Our time is short; we will not stay in this “in-between” stage forever. Our time of “almost there but not yet” will soon be over. We want to make the most of the window of opportunity we have while we are living “in-between.”
How Do You Make the Most of the “In Between” Time We All are in?
- Make your Christian calling permanent. Never compromise your spiritual gains by giving in to fleeting pleasures. Know that only a life lived with God makes for a full life. Nothing else truly satisfies deep within.
- Live a life of dedication and sacrifice to God, His Word, and His people. Offer your weaknesses and sins to God as you renew your relationship with God daily. Be faithful and zealous to God and His Word.
- Let God’s light shine in you. We are called to be God’s representatives here on earth in many ways, especially the way we live our lives and by the words that we use. Yield to the Spirit’s transforming power. At this time of in-between, we still struggle with the flesh, the world, and the devil. Our relationships are imperfect. Carry on and be steadfast in your spiritual battle to the end.
- Preach the Word, in season and out. This time of “in-between” is not only yours; it also applies to everyone you meet and see. God’s forgiveness and mercy are available now, but it will not be there forever. Life is short – both ours and everyone else’s. Give the people around you a chance to encounter God by your life and by your sharing the Gospel to them. Persevere in sharing the Gospel even if you do not see immediate results.
- Anticipate your future life with God forever. Imagine how life would be without sin, pain, death, and suffering not only to you but to all. Eagerly await your grand reunion with families and friend whom you will never be separated again. Look forward walking with God and seeing Him face to face.
- Endure to the end. Regardless of the number of times you fall, rise up and battle on; real winners I life never quit, and quitters never win. Only those who endure to the end will win the crown of life.
OTHER SCRIPTURE PASSAGES:
- Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV)
- I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 ESV)
- Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. (Romans 12:11 ESV)
- Other Bible verses: Isaiah 55:6-7; Philippians 3:13-14; Hebrews 12:1-2; and Galatians 5:19-24..
FOR REFLECTION OR SHARING:
- How are you experiencing the life of in-between?
- Where are you winning, and where are you struggling?
- What things can potentially draw you away from your call?
Tom Caballes is a National Coordinator of the Lamb of God, a community of the Sword of the Spirit with seven branches located throughout New Zealand. Tom and his wife Mhel and their two daughters [with his son-in-law and grand-daughter] live in Wellington, New Zealand.