Speaking Truth -
How to Have Peace in Times of Crisis -
CLAY CENTER - Bloodshed is happening amid wars in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and South America. Over 300 million people are facing a severe hunger crisis. Intense flooding, extreme wildfires, deadly tornados and historic winter blizzards have hit nations across the globe. Moderate to severe earthquakes have rocked cities in different parts of the world. Tens of thousands have been killed through religious persecution. And not to mention crime, disease and the rising cost of goods and services.
When we look beyond what is occurring locally, and to events across the world, it is troubling. In times like these it is easy to look toward the heavens and wonder why it is happening, and where it is all headed. In a conversation with His followers about the future and the state of the world, Jesus stated, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” (Matthew 24:6-7) And it is not just “events” that are concerning, but also how the hearts of people seem to be colder and more callous. God predicted this, “… understand…that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without selfcontrol, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) This is all predicted, but why is it happening? To understand we need to step back and see the world through a different lens. The Scripture teaches us, “ For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) This tells us there is a spiritual element to our world, that is beyond what we can see with our physical eyes. There is good and evil. Light and darkness. Angels and demons. God and Satan. The events we see that trouble us, and the unexplainable immoral behavior we see in others, are the outward manifestation of that invisible spiritual realm.
Here are six ways we can live in times like these.
1. Be alert. Jesus knows the Evil One will take advantage of such crises that affect people’s emotions. He will seek to deceive, confuse and divide. Be alert and fight against this with the wisdom and discernment of God 2. Turn to Jesus. He is the Light in darkness. He is a firm and steady rock in a world that is sinking in the sand. He is Lord and King. Nothing escapes His sight. He sees and knows all. He will work all things for your ultimate good and His majestic glory. Turn from your sin and trust in Him with all your heart.
3. Do not fear. When the news of the day gives you reason to fear, resist. Place your trust in Christ and be delivered from anxiousness and doubt.
4. Endure to the end. Do not waver. Do not quit. Do not stop. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep obeying. Keep pressing forward. Keep persevering all the way to the end by the enabling power of God.
5. Love one another. In times of crisis, it is easy to turn on each other. Practice loving and forgiving one another.
6. Go and rescue the lost. Many are caught up in the chaos of our world, and some have directly caused it. Go and share with them the good news of Christ that they might believe, be saved and set free.
A prayer for you - Lord God, I pray you will help us to see you high and lifted up above the chaos and troubling news. Help us to not be alarmed but to place our faith in you and walk in your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Clint Decker is President of Great Awakenings. Please share your comment at cdecker@ greatawakenings. org and follow his blog at clintdecker.blogspot.com.
