Monthly Archives: September 2011

(Image by Keoni Cabral via Flickr)

I have heard many Christians refer to the future and proclaim that they have ‘read the back of the book’ so they are not afraid because God is in control. In response I wonder if they have really studied it at all with all of the upheaval portrayed in the Book of Revelation.

I have read the last chapter also but find myself naturally afraid at times considering the chaos we seem to be facing daily; coming at us economically, politically, and in natural cataclysmic events. A lot of Christians have been seeking ‘signs and wonders’ but some of the natural signs we have been getting lately are nothing like what we have been praying for. If we are in the beginning of ‘end times’ like some seem to think, then it sure isn’t going to get any better any time soon -only worse. At least until the very end.

It reminds me of a famous quote from the first Star Wars movie when Luke Skywalker says that he is not afraid and Yoda responds: “You will be.” That scene always send chills up my spine.

We may be entering times that the Bible says will try our very souls and cause hearts to fail. How are we Christians to respond to the fear and the chaos all around us? We will not be able to ‘faith’ it all away and change reality like some of the ‘health and wealth’ folks seem to teach. Particularly if God is in the chaos bringing about his own ‘end time’ purposes.

This is a good time to remember and hold on to all of the promises that God has made to believers over the years. When I really get down sometimes I turn to an old paper back book that I picked up during the ‘Jesus people’ move of the 70’s. It’s got one page after another of encouraging promises that God and his Son Jesus have made to believers through the generations including those who find themselves in the very final moments of history.

Here’s one scripture that I find particularly helpful right now:

Jer 29:11-14
11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart, 14 I will be found by you, declares the LORD,…”
ESV

Jeremiah spoke these words of encouragement to a people who were in exile and had lost everything, their jobs, their homes, their church (Temple), and their nation. We don’t have it quite that bad yet.

While the current events are disconcerting, I believe that the Lord has plans for His people to rise up and still bring the Gospel to every nation and people …then the end shall come.

It is not a time to dwell on our fears or what we might have lost but what we might gain through a closer relationship with the Father in the midst of fulfilling His destiny and calls on our lives. The church has yet to rise up and become that shining beacon on a hill –but it will.            *Top