Are you worried about the state of our world? Are you concerned there are two wars ongoing simultaneously? Are you worried about the state of our nation? Are you concerned with the continued hateful language being spewed by anyone who has a disagreement with another?
If you are like me, you hear and participate in a lot of discussion on the state of our world. Prayers are offered on behalf of numerous situations we see on our evening news—wars, natural disasters, elections, hate, racism, division, and a desire for our world to be better.
It is not that we should discount any of those. We absolutely should pray that God step into the midst of them and bring peace to all involved. Yet, when we trust that God is in control and that he will work good out of what is intended for evil, we do not need to worry. We can have our own internal peace because of our faith in God.
Jesus warns His disciples that all we see going on the world will happen. He also states that just because they happen does not mean the end is here. In fact, He says it is just the beginning of birth pangs. For anyone who has gone through giving birth, you know the early contractions do not mean the child will be born immediately. Just as that is true, it is also true that these things do not point to an immediate end.
What does this mean for us who are living in these times? We are to continue to trust in God. Our faith is being tested day by day. It is tested by these horrific events. We pass the test when our faith remains. Therefore, despite the world being in upheaval, hold onto your faith.
Mark 13:7-8 “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.”
Marty Pressey 