WATCH OUT!!

“And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.”  Mark 13: 7 (NLT)

These are the words that Jesus spoke to some of His disciples, who questioned His prediction that the Temple would one day be destroyed. They asked Jesus, “When will this destruction happen? Will there be a sign?” Jesus answered them by saying that they would hear stories of wars, famine, earthquakes, and family discord. Yet, He encouraged them not to panic, but to be ready, be prepared, and be on guard.   

In this life, we often find ourselves looking for signs and wonders to explain things that are going on in the world. In our minds, we may believe that things don’t “just happen.” There has to be a reason for everything, right? Two days from now will be December 21, and we have been constantly hearing about how the Mayans predicted that the world would end on that date.

With everything that has been happening in our recent history with school shootings, devastating hurricanes and  terrorism, it can create a wave of panic so severe that even Christians have started to fall victim to this mass paranoia.  As believers, we know that the Bible says in Mark 13:32 that “not even the Son of Man knows when the end will come.” Only God knows, and so our job is not to panic and not to create our own explanations for these events, but to be on guard and to stay alert.

What does that mean for those of us who are trying to balance all of these questions in the midst of our fears? Jesus promised in Hebrews 13:5 that He will never leave us or abandon us. Life will have its ups and downs, but Jesus can be our peace and comfort when things get chaotic.

During this holiday season, take some time to really think about how Jesus has been a peace in the storms in your own life.  Reflect on the times that you may have felt hopeless and alone, yet at the same time, you felt the arms of Jesus surround you with love and protection. We are human, so it is perfectly normal to experience anxiety when things come your way that you are not prepared for. Moving forward, make it a priority to be ETERNALLY prepared in regards to your relationship with God. If it’s God’s will for the world to end on Dec. 21 or another future date, I have no need to fear whatever may come because I am confident in Jesus Christ, my Savior. Are you?

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.~~John 14:27 (NIV)