The Blessing of Going Without

Based on Hosea 1-4, Revelation 1

"For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim: afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days." Hosea 3:4‭-‬5

Although this is a time of year when lists are made, and we think about the desires of our hearts, it's also a time to realize that it's truly impossible to for each person on earth to obtain each thing they truly desire...that is, unless we become content with going without and making our lists short & simple! The more minimal, the merrier! Jesus is the reason for the season (and every season) anyway! The above Scripture says Israel would have to go without many things in order to make God the center focus again-so why don't we do the same, especially at this time of year? Let's remember that going without & saying yes to simple is the way to put Jesus as our focus again!

"I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." Revelation 1:9

John was a prisoner on the Isle of Patmos. There were many things he was going without...but he had the greatest treasure of all! Jesus Christ and his visions! Without these beautiful things, we would not be able to catch a glimpse of the glorious things to come! John got the closest to God not at a time where he was prospering in earthly things & possessions, but at a time where he was imprisoned and lacking many things. So what is suffering? Is it separation from this world, or suffocation from too much of the world?