Limbo...

Limbo. The state of extreme, unsettled uncertainty.  The capital of this state is called Stress.  The governor of this state is named Fear. I abhor Limbo.  As much as a germaphobe hates a public drinking fountain, so I hate Limbo.  Take this from a prepared, organized, plan-ahead type personality that is continually thinking of ways to foresee and prevent problems.  The state of Limbo is the last place on earth that I enjoy being.

Why do I hate Limbo so much?  Is it only that I can't control the foreseeable future? Now, I sound like a control-freak; which I protest that I am not. I don't try to control other people’s lives; it is only my own that I am concerned about. It must be that the inability and uncertainty that governs this state are what I hate most about it. The feeling of being powerless and ignorant could actually drive someone like me to insanity and panic.

So, I ask myself, Is the state of Limbo with its major cities of Stress, Panic, and Doubt where a Christian ought to dwell?  The New Testament believers after Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension lived in perilous times.  Hebrews 11:37-38 tells us that they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, and tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.  Their lives were in that state of Limbo to the point of suffering, torture, and death. They had no retirement, they probably had health problems, they did not know what their future held. Again, I tell myself that I have not had to live through that.

So many authors in the New Testament give us words of comfort concerning this very topic. It was Paul who said Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. It was Peter who said But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. It was John who said There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.  He that feareth is not made perfect in love. And, it was James who said Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

It doesn't matter the trials and adversities that we may face in this life as believers – uncertainty of the financial future, worry of the political state of our country, the panic of a worldwide pandemic of some uncurable disease, or the threat of persecution like the New Testament believers – God is greater than Limbo.  There is no state or capital, no politician or government, no bank or institution that can defeat us. We believe in the one true God, the God that is bigger than anything imaginable on this earth and in this life. He is sovereign, unchangeable, omnipotent, and omniscient.  I Peter 5:10. He is the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye (we) have suffered a while, make you (us) perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (us). To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Written by Kathy Ashely, author of Vitamins for the Soul from Sword of the Lord Ministries.

Simply Conquering Limbo,