The world is going crazy! Watching the news or scrolling through the latest social media feed confirms that. But none of this surprises God. In fact, Jesus himself warned his disciples that the world would become increasingly more evil before he returns. (Matthew 24)
Wars and rumors of wars. Nation rising against nation.
His followers would be hated by all because of his name.
Many will turn away from the faith and betray and hate each other.
The increase of wickedness would cause the love of many to grow cold.
The fact that Jesus predicted these very things is a good reminder to us that God is still in control. When we’re wondering where this is all going to end up we need not look any further than the Word of God. Jesus promised that he is going to prepare a place for us and that one day he would come back to bring us there. In a day when hope is hard to find, I am so grateful for the hope I have in Jesus!
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. – John 14:1-3
Think about when you were learning to drive. You were probably taught what to do when you lose control of your vehicle. There are some important steps to keep in mind that I thought made for a good analogy.
Remain calm. No matter what.
Panicking won’t help. God is in control. Nothing that happens catches Him by surprise. We just need to relax and let God be God. (Psalm 46:10)
Look in the direction of where you want to go.
If you’ve lost control of your vehicle and are headed for a tree, don’t look at the tree! Look the road you want to be on. In the same way, during uncertain and scary times when we feel like everything is spinning out of control, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus! (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Turn the wheels toward the desired destination and don’t slam on the brakes.
God has a plan and He’s left us with instructions. It is our job to keep the wheel pointed in the right direction and to keep moving forward in His will even when it feels like the world is trying to pull us off the road. God is working in us to fulfill His good purpose. (Philippians 2:12-13)
Brake before a curve, not in it.
When you see trouble coming, stop before you get any further. Don’t wait until you’re already in the curve to slam on the brakes. If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Savior, then you’ve been given the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you and to keep you on the straight path. So live by the Spirit and don’t gratify the desires of your sinful nature. (Galatians 5:16)
As we watch the world around us fall deeper and deeper into evil and hate, we must remember that God is in control. He has always known these things would happen and His plan remains unchanged. We must continue to look up and not around because we have a Savior that has promised to return. And I’m not sure if you’ve read all the way to the end of the book, but spoiler alert – we win!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. – Philippians 2:12-13