What’s REALLY going on?

Often, my mind wanders over the condition of this world. There are days when I express that I will no longer read or listen to the local news. The headlines are flooded with atrocious killings, bizarre happenings, uncommon weather patterns, natural disasters, economic distress, etc.  It’s everywhere – television, radio, newspaper, magazine and internet. There is no escape from the dreadful realities of this current day. And yes, I am fully aware that these things are the progressive fulfillment of bible prophecy but it’s still very disheartening. There is a veil of evil that spreads rampantly across the earth leaving a somber residue on life. It can induce a sense of fear & hopelessness that causes people to question, reject, give up, and no longer hold fast to their faith. It makes one wonder, “What’s REALLY going on?”

God is in complete control. It may look and feel bleak in this physical earth but there is a miraculous stirring in the spiritual realm! There is a war between heaven and hell as well as a war between good and evil. BUT the good news is that we, as servants of Christ have foreknowledge of how the story ends – the Kingdom of God wins! Knowing this keeps me filled with hope and determination to press my way further. It encourages me to “hang on” through all that I see, hear and experience. There have been many days when I’ve wanted to surrender and say, “God, I can’t do it anymore – I’m tired”.  And each time I’ve come to that place, the Lord will speak to me, bring a scripture to mind, send a messenger or give me an encouraging sign that He is near and it will be okay.

We can clearly recognize the conditions in the world today. It can be overwhelming but God is requiring us to stand firm in the midst of it all. When there is distress in every direction, we need to reach for the Bible and feed our souls. It is nourishment that will bring wisdom, strength and hope during the seasonal changes and challenges of life. We are called to live in this world but be not of this world. (Romans 12:2) We are told to let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be also in us. (Philipians 2:5) This means that when we are faced with uncertainty and dismal conditions, our responses shouldn’t imitate those of the world but of Christ.

Yes, life can be a mess, but we must learn to find and extract the message within the mess. What is God speaking through the global conditions? What is He speaking through our personal circumstances? The answers lie in the One who is the message. Then and only then can we experience the assurance & purpose needed to move through this uncertain world and know without a doubt what is REALLY going on.