Keep on Keeping on

Two years ago everything seemed normal. Although, I'm not sure what is considered normal, but we all thought we knew. Then came COVID and suddenly nothing was normal. It has seemed that since then it has been one thing after another that has brought concern and worry to the average person. How do we cope with all of this? Some of us have used our humor and shared memes like this one to make people laugh.

Others have voiced their frustration to friends and family. Others have tried to hide from the world. Some have continued on as though nothing is happening. Some have done all the above.

Now, in March of 2022, there is war in Europe. Russia has put it's nuclear arsenal on alert after they invaded their neighbor Ukraine. Some claim (and they may be correct) that World War III has already started. It is easy to be discouraged. How is the Christian supposed to respond? There is the obvious, send money or other aid to those in need, perhaps even volunteer to deliver aid, but what can the average Christian do at this moment?

First, don't remain discouraged. Our home is not here. We are just pilgrims in this life. Jesus has made a promise to those who follow Him.

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:1-3.

We have been promised that these types of things will occur,

"And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." Matthew 24:4-8.

There are many today that claim to be godlike. They may not use the words, but they make it very clear that you are not allowed to question them. They think that what they say is truth and they seek to control all aspects of our lives. There is the obvious wars and rumors of wars, pestilences, famine, and earthquakes around the world. This is just the beginning.

So, besides not remaining discouraged, what is the Christian supposed to do in the midst of all of this? There are several commands that the Bible gives us. One, we need to pray.

"I EXHORT therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of truth." I Timothy 2:1-4

Christian, when was the last time you prayed for the leaders in our world, our nation, and our local communities? From the above Scripture, it appears that we are not just supposed to pray for those we may agree with, but even those that we disagree with. We ought to pray for their salvation, if they are not saved. We ought to pray for their safety and wisdom. We ought to give thanks for them. We also need to pray for "all men." We need to pray for our neighbor, the person across town, and even the person around the world. "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of truth."

Next, we need to go. We need to put feet to our prayer. We may not have an influence with world leaders, but we all have a friend or neighbor.

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28: 18-20

The I AM is with us unto the end of the world. The one who has all power is with us. The Creator of the universe is with us until the end of the world. We do not need to be afraid. We need to keep on keeping on in His power.