“We give thanks to You, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.” – Revelation 11:17
image by Birru Sadhu
John heard the twenty-four elders speaking these words as they fell to their faces in worship of God in heaven, as the seventh trumpet was sounded to announce the coming judgments on the earth.
Though God has always ultimately reigned, He has restrained Himself until His chosen time, when the end times will come to pass, so that all people will have the opportunity to hear of the hope held in Him, and choose whether or not to make the decision to follow Him forever. I can only imagine the anticipation in heaven. Those who are in His eternal presence have been waiting, and are likely eager for the promised passing of all evil on the earth, and the return of His perfection to come once again to all. Imagine restoration everywhere – not just in heaven. To return to the glory where walking beside God in the garden was commonplace, and within that space, there is only good – gone are suffering, sin and pain.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the One who is, who was, and who will always be. Thank You that regardless of what is happening or what will happen, You are God, and You are good. Forgive me Father, for the fear that creeps in when I read about the events that will unfold in the end times. Help us to remember that You will strengthen and sustain us through any and every trial that we will encounter, or we might be so lucky as to be among those who are raptured… More than that, please help us to keep our eyes securely fixed on You. Open our understanding so that we might more clearly see You and comprehend Your ways. Teach us to trust You and Your perfect plan. Lead us in love so that we may love others as we are loved. Be evident in all that we say and do today, and place people in the path of those we hold dear to tell them of Your great love. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Revelations In Writing 
Amen! As believers waiting patiently for the Lord to return, may we continue to boldly share the gospel with others and lovingly encourage them others to make the decision to commit their lives to Christ.
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
Just wanted to make sure you knew I nominated you for “Blog of the Year 2012” Pop over to my blog for all the details!http://inlovewiththelord.wordpress.com/2012/12/27/blog-of-the-year-2012/
I am looking forward to leaning against the lion and the lamb!