There are those in Asheville N.C. and other areas who are reeling from the massive destruction, since their town isn’t even recognizable. It will take months, perhaps even years before all or most roads are completed, and there are areas where recovery may never happen!
When you add the recent hurricanes, Idalia, Berly and Debby, among others, and the newest, Milton ---preparing to hit central Florida; along with all the horrific fires ravaging the West, it seems a little eerie! Then, when you consider the school shootings, other horrific crime scenes across our nation and the world, it’s a little like a mirror image of the weather! It's shocking, unsettling, and makes a body a little nervous and anxious about what might be next.
We're in a season of political unrest given the upcoming election, and that doesn't help any. As a country, we're so divided, it's frightening! Who would have thought even ten or fifteen years ago that our nation would be in such turmoil? Or sure, there was dissension and even conflict, but the viciousness of people now multiplied by their hate, is downright scary!
I was reading about how Africa went through a military overthrow of the government. The writer of this article was terrified for her life as she remembered forty-five years earlier when she was a child, how she and her family were spared death because of their faith in God and the prayers they raised up to Him.
Yet, there are those Believers who minister in other countries and face death from a non-welcoming government daily. Even citizens who live in these places are under this kind of threat should they believe in Jesus Christ.
I am convinced the turmoil we are facing today is directly related to the second coming of Christ. As a human it’s natural to have fear. Just this morning there was a headline on the news which said, “War is coming!” I can’t even imagine what format that would take, or even how you would know who your enemy is, since it would be based (I believe) on your political views!
During the Civil War it was North against South and there are those who left their homes from one side or the other, given their conviction, and physically went to that geographic location! How on earth would we find a dividing line now? Again, I have no answers, but it’s certain fodder for fear and lots more questions!
Despite what we are facing, there is another certainty. Jesus will return and we, even as Believers, will not be spared suffering. It is the End Times. We must face that, but I suggest not with fear, which is what the enemy would prefer, but with a level of joy they could not begin to understand. It is here my faith must be greater than my fear!
As Believers, we know when our time on this Earth –our temporary home—is done, we will come face to face with the Father. I can’t wait to see Jesus! Oh, my goodness, can you even imagine the joy? Now that said, don’t think I want war, violence or any other kind of ugliness to precipitate my going! But knowing this, absolutely can, if not totally take away the fear, at least lessen it. One day I’m gonna see Jesus face to face and that my friend is reason for joy!
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