Coming out of the worldwide pandemic of COVID and now possibly facing a war, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the uncertainties we may face in this ever-changing world. As Christ’s disciples he tells us that we are in the world but not of the world (John 17:14). However, we must face the challenges, tests, and trials that come as a result of living in this broken world with imperfect people.
Jesus is Our Hope, Peace, and Strength
One of the greatest gifts of walking with Jesus is that we have his peace that passes all understanding living in us. We must not forget that this world will come to an end, but he will come and take us to heaven. No one knows when this will happen, not even Jesus. The saving message of Jesus is the hope he gives us and the ability to live in his strength no matter how things look or what we must endure as we remain faithful.
God created us to play a part in his grand plan to share the salvation of Jesus Christ. Our attitudes, words, and actions must reveal Christ loving grace in us if we are truly a disciple of Christ. When life gets hard, we must be the hope and love of Jesus people see and experience.
The End is Coming: Remain Ready
The increase in chaos, selfishness, natural disasters, and evil in the world all point to the coming of Jesus. Because Jesus tells us that no one knows the date, it’s a waste of time to try and figure that out. However, Jesus is very clear that we must be prepared, waiting, and know God’s truth to test all things.
Jesus tells us. “And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.” (Matt. 24:10-14, NLT)
To prevent being deceived, we must know God’s word and his power. (Matt. 22:29) We will stand strong when we keep God our priority and grow our personal relationship with Jesus every day. We are instructed:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1, NIV)
“But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every form of evil.” (1 Thess. 5:21-22, NLT)
Trust that God’s plan and Christ’s promise to come and get us and take us home to heaven are true. Never forget that Jesus died for you, me, and every person ever born to give us the opportunity to choose to live with him forever. Our salvation isn’t only about going to heaven, it’s about sharing the unconditional love, mercy, and grace of Christ that in dwells with others through his gospel. Christ’s spirit helps and empowers us to show others who he is, their light, hope, and salvation.
Never forget the devil wants to spend eternity with you in hell. The devil comes to steal and kill and destroy. (John 10:10, NIV) The enemy will use illusions of good to entice you but make no mistake, he does not love you!
Surrender Our Control and Await Our Savior
In our human condition, we can only control our beliefs, thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions. The chaos and challenges of the world will continue until it is time for its end. People will continue to live self-focused and influenced by their sinful desires and the enemy, or they will choose to follow Jesus. When we walk with Jesus, he helps us have a kingdom focus and not get overwhelmed by what’s happening all around us.
The time for Jesus to come back is closer now than ever before. However, God created us to be Christ’s ambassadors and that is our job until our body dies or Jesus comes to take us home. Let us not get overwhelmed by the ever-changing world. Let us cling to Christ our Savior and know that one day we will be in heaven, in perfect love and peace for eternity!
“If anyone says to you, ‘See! Here is the Christ,’ or, ‘There He is!’ do not believe it. Some will come who will say they are Christ. False preachers will come. These people will do special things for people to see. They will do surprising things, so that if it can be, God’s people will be led to believe something wrong. See! I have told you about these things before they happen.
“After those days of much trouble and pain and sorrow are over, the sun will get dark. The moon will not give light. The stars will fall from the sky. The powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and shining-greatness. He will send His angels. They will gather together God’s people from the four winds. They will come from one end of the earth to the other end of heaven. (Mark 13:21-27, NLT)
