Woman with mask – “I’m tired”
Image source: Unsplash
Lately it seems like the world has gone CRAZY.
Coronavirus and people wearing masks and gloves.
Millions in the U.S. now filing unemployment due to businesses closing over the virus.
Shelter In Place orders.
George Floyd’s tragic death.
The ensuing riots, looting, fire-setting to cars and businesses, and cops hurt and killed.
Protesters over George Floyd’s death and police
(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
It’s all overwhelming, frightening, and not a world that I wanted our children and our grandchildren to grow up in. Yet every generation has faced some kind of hardship.
They did in Jesus’ time, too, and He warned us that before He returned, these terrifying things and more would happen.
“And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:4-14, NKJV)
Jesus said these things MUST come to pass before He comes. And that this is just the beginning…meaning things are going to get even worse before they get better! I’m praying I and my loved ones will be Raptured before that happens!
I don’t understand why these things have to be, or why all of this is going on. I DO know that God is good, God is love, and God is still in control, no matter how spiritually dark and chaotic things look right now.
Drowning person
Image source: Unsplash
In the midst of Jesus telling His disciples about all the horrible things that were going to happen, He gave a word of great encouragement: “See that you are not troubled.”
Say what, Jesus? That’s a little hard to do right now!
The Coronavirus and the Shelter In Place orders have turned our world as we knew it upside down, and now there’s a world-wide protest, lootings, and violence over George Floyd and others who have suffered death at the hands of authority.
Yet, God is still on the throne as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He knows EXACTLY what is going on and He knows what is ahead. His justice will be served, and HE will deal with ALL evil, whether it is murder against blacks, whites, civilians, police or the military, looting, violence, or any other sin against God or mankind.
We don’t need to feel troubled. We can look to God and have His peace that passes all understanding, as Jesus told the disciples when they were in a frightening storm, “Peace, be still.” (Matthew 8:23-27)
Jesus and disciples in storm
Image source: https://burningfireshutinmybones.wordpress.com/2013/09/08/whats-your-problem/
The world may seem to have gone mad. But God has got this under control, even if we feel we don’t have any control with what is happening. We can trust God. With Jesus there is always hope!
Beautiful Maelyn Jarmon, the winner of The Voice in 2019, did an amazing job singing “Mad World.” You can listen to her here on YouTube.
I encourage you each day to have quiet time with God to pray, read the Bible (renewing your mind with His word), and worship and praise.
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