“And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel. And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals.”

Judges 2:10-11

The chaos of an African war doesn’t scare God. Neither does the despotism of Europe nor the corruption of North American democracies. Economic manipulators don’t intimidate him who can make gold. And the creeping sex culture does not make God frustrated and helpless. What frustrates him is us.

“And the bride has prepared herself.” Rev 19

“And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

Hebrews 6:11-12

What actually stops, hinders, sets back the plan and will of God is not Satan. It is us. We become sluggish. We lose earnestness. We don’t prepare ourselves for our kingly bridegroom. The whole world can be steeped in darkness but the worthy bride is riding the bull with a smile on her face, in the presence of her lover. But without the participation of the bride inwardly and outwardly Jesus’ kingdom of priests and body is not ready and his will is frustrated.

The end of the matter is better than the beginning, said Solomon. He must be right, because the middle certainly is difficult, and it will be good to bring this age to an end by walking closely with our God.