His Presence

Ezekiel 17-19; Revelation 7 

“…And he said, ‘These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, ‘they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.’”

Revelation 7:14, 15

Those who want the sheltering presence of God for all eternity will be pursuing his presence through the fire of testing here on earth. They have found freedom from sin through the cleansing blood of Christ. They serve the Lord day and night and one day will serve him in his temple. Living with self-indulgence, unrepentant sin, and pride will not lead to an eternity of shelter and service in the presence of the Lord. The fire of testing which God allows in every generation is meant to draw us into his presence, not destroy us. Our faith is refined and purified and our focus on eternity becomes clearer. 

Does this describe our response to testing?

“Lord Jesus, I have never needed your presence more than I need it now, for your glory.”