It’s not in the power of human beings to produce full justice. That’s in the hands of another and better judge.”
–Ernest Haycox (Whispering Range)
“But to the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice.”
–Hebrews 1:8 (NLT)
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“We have stepped off a cliff and are falling into madness.”
–Ted Dekker
Perhaps you have heard of it; by chance you may have experienced it–high altitude sickness. It may be mild in some, but in others it may be severe. I have observed a few cases over the years. Many years ago I was part of a group of Royal Rangers that took more advanced boys on a trip to Colorado. We went to the Indian Peaks Wilderness to camp. As we were setting up camp two of the boys became dizzy and sick, enough so that we had to take them to the emergency room. The doctor diagnosed high altitude sickness. I have seen people get dizzy and fall over, while others do things that they didn’t know why they were doing. My Mom said she had this feeling of euphoria went driving in the mountains that instead of following the road she just wanted to go straight off into the air (thank goodness she was able to control that).
Why are people doing they crazy things they are doing? Why are they saying the crazy, stupid things they are saying? Surely it is not high altitude sickness. Hmmm, maybe it is a form, for there is a rustling in the heavens. Soon, the Almighty Judge of all creation will appear and take those who have been sealed by the Holy Spirit with Him into heaven. Now if that isn’t “high” I don’t know what is. Perhaps some of these crazies on earth are rejecting the thoughts of the Creator and Heaven.
You may be in a form of desolation–a type of wilderness or you may know someone facing a time of spiritual survival. It may not be high altitude sickness, but a struggle for survival within your soul. I hope you will ponder the following–it may help you survive.
“The enemy of our soul wants to take us to this barren land of desolation. He wants us to see it through his eyes. It is a barren land; empty of life, water, and hope. Why try to survive? It is not within your power. To try to do so would be torture; the body and soul will be torn time and time again. It is better just to give up and die, succumb to the desolation of the wilderness wasteland. It is too wearisome a task to take another step; give up now to the ruthless hand of the devil.
Now is not the time to give in to his schemes! Blessed (to be envied) is the person who realizes the lessons of the wasteland. This person, currently you, is becoming more and more aware of the dangers and perils of the wasteland. You walk warily, looking constantly for something to aid in your survival and to also be aware of the pitfalls and evils that lurk there. Your eyes are constantly searching, looking for those landmarks that help direct your steps.
The desert is ruthless! But never forget–there is a Guide. Someone who has gone on before. Listen! Do not think for a minute that you can avoid the wasteland. If Jesus was forced there, why do you think that you will not taste of it? Your soul, right now, is being tested and tried. If you do not quit, if you are not beguiled by the devil, if you watch your step and listen to your Guide: you will walk out of this wilderness victorious!” (Trails in the Wilderness)
Remember, your Guide knows the way; He has the solutions, and He carries ample supplies of refreshing “water.” This Guide if you allow Him will also allow you to see through the madness of the world and to stay stable in the midst of deceit.