As the world gets more chaotic by the day and the depravity grows darker, we Christians are called to keep shining… to keep trusting.
We have been told to pray without ceasing, to keep the faith, to hold to certain promises, to put on the full armor of God, and to stand strong.
And in the midst of all that’s going on in this crazy world, we are called to remain calm.
1 John 4:18 states that we are not to fear if we belong to Christ, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Not only are we not to fear, but we’re called to be salt and light as we continually remember our God Reigns, His plans prevail, His word is true, His ways are perfect, and He’s coming again!
Something I’ve realized is the minute I take my eyes off these truths and off the Savior, I can quickly succumb to fear when surveying the world today. I instantly trade in peace for panic… the very opposite response Christ desires.
Philippians 4:6-7 is a beautiful verse, as it reminds us we can have His peace at all times. It says, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
I love that…. “Be careful for Nothing!” In other words, “Don’t worry, be Happy.”
We can be happy because the Son still shines! We can be happy because of all Christ has given. We can be happy because He is on the throne. We have everything good because of His sacrificial love. And we have a bright eternity awaiting us in the near future!
All these truths are great reminders for all believers.
BUT…
What about those who have not yet made the decision to put their trust in Christ?
What about those who have not accepted Christ’s gift of salvation?
What must this world look and feel like to them? Believers have hope and a bright eternity. This decaying, dying world is not our home… we’re passing through. We have the truth, and we know how the story ends. We understand, too, that, in this life, we’re promised by God that He will take care of us. No matter what is happening in the world today, He promises He will provide for our every need and will never leave us or forsake us.
Our trust in Christ is what allows us to have any kind of hope and peace along the way.
Because we’ve put our trust in Christ, we can confidently hold to the truth that when this world sinks deeper in sin and spins out of control, we can still experience peace because of the promises we have in Him. We can still rejoice. We can still have hope and see light at the end of the tunnel.
We know with 100% certainty that because He lives, we can face tomorrow, and because He lives, we can face anything.
Imagine, though, not having that hope… that peace.
Imagine walking through this life without the Savior… without true hope. It’s a very sobering thought.
There are so many lost souls carrying the weight of the world with them… so many tired, confused, depressed, suicidal, living in fear and worn down. So many are roaming the earth looking for meaning, searching for hope. So many are perplexed by the overwhelming evil that is running rampant throughout society worldwide.
As Christians, we need to be equipped. We need to run the race with all we have. We need to be salt and light. 2 Timothy 4:2 reminds us, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
We need to be in prayer for all who are lost and spend what days we have left before His return sharing the good news and investing in things that truly matter.
And we need to move fast. It seems crystal clear to anyone paying attention (both believers and unbelievers) that “normal” is not returning. Anyone paying attention, even a little, knows things just aren’t right… up is down, evil is now called good, etc.
It is becoming more evident with each passing day that time is growing shorter and Jesus’ return is near. Many, many, many are sounding the alarm that everything is beginning to converge… the handwriting is on the wall. We are witnessing, in real-time, plans being made and put into play, technologies being created, alliances forming. We are hearing of wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, etc. Everything the Bible speaks of concerning the last days is coming to fruition. We are seeing it play out before our very eyes. All of it coming together… paving the way for the tribulation.
Globally, signs are converging, and converging at amazing speed. The labor pains are revving up quickly, and it’s just a matter of time before Christ calls His children home. We are closer than ever, which is why we should do all we can now for the kingdom.
And as we’re doing all we can, as we’re answering the call, let us not grow weary. Galatians 6:9 reminds us: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
As Christians, we may find ourselves growing weary and impatient for His return. We may wonder, “What’s taking so long, Lord? This world is getting worse by the day… isn’t it time yet?… When will you come get us?” We may feel these things from time to time and grow impatient waiting for His return, but I love 2 Peter 3:9, which says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
This verse reminds us of God’s great mercy, love, and patience for humanity. His heart’s desire is that all will come to receive the beautiful and free gift He so selflessly gave. It would seem that additional time is given out of mercy… an opportunity for more souls to be saved.
Let us also be reminded that God’s timing is perfect. He is never too early and is never too late. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. His plans are perfect, as is His timing. So grateful that He is merciful and patient.
Never forget… He will come to get us when it’s time. In the meantime, we’re to keep looking up and reaching out. We’re to continue sharing, praying, rejoicing, and giving thanks. We’re to keep persevering and running the race. And as we excitedly await His appearance and look forward to His voice calling us home, we’re to trust Him daily, be joyful in heart, and do all we can to bring others into His kingdom.
Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
Matthew 6:20-21 states: “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
If you are a Christian, thank God today for His most special, beautiful gift of salvation. A gift none of us deserves, but in His great mercy and love, He so selflessly, freely gave. Thank Him for touching your heart, working in your life, and for salvation that forgives, cleanses, rescues, and brings an eternity bright forever with Him. Thank Him for allowing you more time on this earth to give, to plant, to help, and to share the good news with others.
If you’re reading this and have not made the decision to accept and follow Christ, please do so today. No one is promised tomorrow. God’s word is true, and Jesus is the only way.
There is an escape from this sinful world and all its mess… there is hope… there is forgiveness for sin, there is a bright future for you. Salvation is given to all. Jesus Christ died and rose for all…. His blood was shed for all. He is the only way. Cry out to Him today…. He will rescue you.
The Bible says,
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).
“And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:9).
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11-14).
“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him” (Hebrews 2:3).
Believe today…
“As it is written, ‘There is none righteous, no, not one'” (Romans 3:10).
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).
Remember: time is ticking away, and no one is promised tomorrow.
Whether you’re a believer or an unbeliever, you know what you need to do.
Please, don’t wait another day.