Ezekiel 12, 13 [The Message]

There were no doubt false prophets in Ezekiel’s day who garnered a following by telling the people what they wanted to hear. They tickled the ears of their audience … similar to many preachers and politicians of our day. Ezekiel’s messages were hard to receive because they contained judgement and hardship.

Football coaches who soft-pedal their message and promise victorious results with no hardship or pain are lying and dreaming. They are not preparing their players for a difficult battle ahead. The result … when hardship shows up, the players wilt.

This is no enlightened prediction of our future … but let’s face it, we’ve had it too good for too long. We may be wise to hunker down and prayerfully anticipate some hardship in our nation. The best preparation we can make is to strengthen our prayer and Bible-study habits. God is looking for men and women who listen to His every command and take seriously his warnings.

Christ said, “In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [Jn. 16:33]