Surviving A World in Crisis

“Jesus knew times of crisis would come upon our world, so in a spirit of wisdom He sought to prepare people for what was ahead.”

Hardly a week goes by without some national or worldwide crisis leading the news headlines. And too often fear and anxiousness grip our hearts as we watch the news or are directly affected by the events ourselves.

Near the end of Jesus’ ministry, His disciples asked some questions about the future. In response, Jesus spoke of troubling conditions that would descend upon the world. However, He wove into His message words of assurance, saying, “See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.” (Matthew 24:6)

Jesus’ prediction of the future included disturbing events like wars, famines, persecution, increased crime, disease, natural disasters, as well as the degradation of the hearts of men and women, becoming more calloused and ruthless toward one another.

Jesus knew times like these would cause people to be greatly disturbed, to the point of being captured by worry and fear. Therefore, in a spirit of wisdom He sought to prepare them for what was coming. He also knew that when future events unfold, it will appear chaotic, giving the appearance that evil is triumphing, while God is seemingly nowhere to be found. His teachings were to assure people that God is present and in charge, so their hearts can abound with peace. For Jesus not only predicted what will be taking place, but that He will be working in the midst of it all to achieve His purposes.

We live in a chaotic world where sometimes there is the sense of organized chaos, where godless influencers plot evil together at national and international levels. Daily the truth is attacked and lies rewarded. Immorality is glorified. Wars and rumors of wars persist. It is easy to be disturbed at all we see and wonder where the world is headed, becoming worried for ourselves, our children and grandchildren. Jesus knows the evil one will take advantage of such times. He will attempt to deceive people in the church, within families and throughout society. Jesus keenly understood this was a spiritual battle between good and evil. For the Scripture says, “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)

He told His disciples how the light of the gospel will bring hope into the world in such times and push back against the forces of darkness. He taught how the good news will be proclaimed throughout all the earth and rescue the souls of men and women who are enslaved by the deceptive promises of their generation.

The disciples were told they will need to endure to the end, during this time of global trial. He did not say they will escape from it but will need to persevere through it. And how could they do that when the pressure will be so immense? The Scripture says, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6) They will do it, not in their strength, but through the power of their resurrected Lord.

Let us not be filled with alarm at the troubling events swarming around us. Rather, read God’s Word and see how times like these were predicted to come. Respond by being vigilant to protect yourself from deception. Pray at all times. Take up the gospel and share it with someone who is trapped in sin. Love one another. Do not be anxious. Flee from immorality. Persevere. Keep pressing forward. And lastly, be filled with optimism and hope, by placing your full faith in Jesus, who is the King of kings and overseeing it all.

A prayer for you - Lord God, I pray that people will not be alarmed when seeing what is happening in the world. Instead, bring them to turn from fear and worry and place their trust in you alone. Lift their eyes above the chaos to see you high and lifted up above it all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.