When we consider the state of the earth today it is difficult to picture a world in which there is no sin, where the children can play in peace with the wild animals, where there are no wars, no wicked people of any kind. In America today it is not safe for little children to be left unguarded among people let alone among wild animals!

In addition, multitudes of Christian people are horribly bound with the love of the world, the lusts of the flesh, and self-will. How long will it take to convert them to the moral purity and character of Jesus Christ?

Some of today are picturing a sudden work of Christ in which the immature, lukewarm believers are quickly transformed into faithful saints. I have never seen this happen. It appears people are slowly—very slowly—changed into the image of Christ. It is hard to imagine a process in which the image and knowledge of God are brought suddenly into the personality.

The Bible says we are saved with difficulty. I do not see how this could change.

The Servant of the Lord "will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth." As we come to maturity in the Lord we must learn to trust God and not become discouraged, even though it seems at times there is no possibility that righteousness will triumph over wickedness.

As for the inhabitants of the islands of the sea putting their hope in Jesus Christ, Isaiah says this will take place. God is not discouraged with His long-range plan and we are not to be either. But to plod along patiently year after year, seeing little or no results from one's efforts, requires spiritual maturity if we are not to become discouraged. However, if we are to be a helper suitable for Christ we must grow in this area also.

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3—NIV)

Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. (Hebrews 12:12—NIV)

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (Luke 18:1—NIV)

Then we come to the vision that we must have if we are to become the helper that the Lord Jesus needs for His work of serving God in the earth.

This is what God the LORD says—he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, To open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." (Isaiah 42:5-7—NIV)

If we are to succeed in becoming a helper suitable for the Son of God we must look up and behold the majesty of God, as Jesus always does. The restoration of what was lost in Eden is not something man can do though every person on earth were to add his or her strength, wisdom, and talents to the effort. The powers of darkness will not yield to human determination.

To be continued.