Revelation 15-17

Let me just confess right at the beginning that Revelation is a book I’m pretty shy about. As a young believer, I was taught that it really didn’t matter what was figurative or literal in Revelation. What mattered was that I was walking with God whenever and however He decided to end things with me OR the earth. I realized not too long ago that I had taken that same approach to my entire walk with God. Life was not mine to seize and enjoy, but to endure until my demise or His return. And I better have it all together when that time came! Whew…..what a load to bear! Then I read that Jesus said “my yoke is easy and my burden is light”. This did not describe the yoke and burden I had taken upon myself. My yoke kept waiting for the other foot to fall – ON ME! It left me praying for Him to return quickly, not because I was anxious to see Him, but because I wanted to be done with this life before I could mess it up anymore! Ouch, it hurts to put that down in words!

Thankfully, God did not leave me burdened and ready to just get this life over! He taught me that the abundant life began when I accepted Him. He doesn’t want me to “grin and bear it” here, He wants me to fully enjoy every aspect of my life with Him! I’m not saying this life still doesn’t get me down sometimes and I still don’t know about the seven angels with seven plagues and seven bowls and the woman on the beast, it’s all a complete mystery to me! But this I know: the focus shifted. I LIVE OUT LOUD for my Lord now, with gusto and joy and love! It’s a fabulous life and I intend to enjoy every minute I have left to His glory!

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m still just as ready for the Lord to bring me fully into His radiant beauty, but in His timing. I read a quote by Erma Bombeck that has become a favorite: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me".” I want to use every bit of me to bring Him glory.


Julie Hallman
May 22