Safe

 As the world descends further into chaos, and all that can be shaken is shaken, the children of God must choose whether they will be dragged along by the world’s machinations or anchor themselves in Christ and rest in Him. As with most things in life, it’s a binary choice. We either cling to Jesus, trusting in His promises or are swept away into despondency with the rest of the world.

Despondency feeds on itself. It is a never-ending downward spiral that strips the heart of hope, joy, and peace. The longer you spend in that frame of mind, the harder it becomes to pull out of it because its tentacles dig deeper with each passing day until even the midday sun looks dark, and hope becomes a distant memory.

One of the benefits of being a child of God is that what is happening in the world around us does not affect us as it does the godless. We are different, at least we are supposed to be, and because our hope is not tethered to the things of this earth when they begin to crumble, we do not react as those who have no other hope but for the things they can see and touch.

It’s the difference between having the foundation crumble from beneath your feet and standing firm, resolute, and undaunted on the foundation of Christ, with not a tremor to be felt. Christ is safety from the storm, joy amid sorrow, and peace when surrounded by chaos. He’s not some third party that can point the way to these things; He is these things. Anyone offering you a substitute is a liar, and the truth is not found in them. Whether a million-dollar bunker, self-cleaning underwear, or a bucket of gruel for three easy payments, they will not give you the peace and security Christ can.

So what’s the difference between knowing what’s coming, obsessing over every detail, and trying to prepare for every eventuality? One is harmless, Biblical, and a net positive; the other can lead you down some dangerous, self-destructive, and obsessive paths.

Undeniably, the Bible speaks a lot on the topic of the last days. Jesus tells us what they will be like, along with Paul, Ezekiel, Joel, Jeremiah, Daniel, Zechariah, and so on. It was not a topic the Holy Spirit shied away from, nor was it one He avoided inspiring the writers on.

We are given to know what will be not so we might fear and obsess, but learn to trust in the almighty arm of the One who foresaw the end from the beginning, who knew not only that you would be but who, where, and when and made provision for you in that time and place.

While we see things one-dimensionally when it comes to what the future holds, God sees everything, from the events themselves, to what led to them, to the placing and positioning of His children in the midst of them, to their protection and provision through them.

God doesn’t tell us what will be to scare us but to fill us brimming with hope. What would be the point of Jesus detailing all the things that will befall the earth if He had no way of protecting you through it? What would be the point of discussing wars, rumors of wars, pestilences, earthquakes, and a plethora of other things if He was powerless to keep them from affecting us?

The only thing we must prepare for as children of God is persecution. There is a very real and distinct possibility that some of us may be martyred for the cause of Christ, but other than that, as far as what will befall the world is concerned, you do not need to worry, for you are no longer of the world.

The world needs to worry about it, most assuredly. The children of God need only compare and contrast what is happening with what the Word says and be at peace knowing that He knew, and if He knew, He’s already made a way for you and me through it.

It’s all well and good that God will protect us through the storm, but I don’t want that persecution stuff, either! This isn’t deal or no deal. You don’t get to pick door number two. The Word gave us a blueprint of what will be, what we can expect for the world, and what we can expect for the church. There are no opt-out clauses. You can’t dodge this draft by running to Canada or pretending to have heel spurs. If you are a servant of Christ, live with the expectation of persecution.

For some, it may be mild, for some severe, but all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

2 Timothy 3:12, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

The only way to avoid persecution is to cease desiring to live godly in Christ Jesus. That would be like setting yourself on fire to avoid a paper cut.

The man who was beaten with rods, stoned, starved, and often thirsty and cold called it but a light affliction.

When the apostles were beaten by the Pharisees, they rejoiced in that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

There are plenty of clues as to what we can expect as children of God, and being pampered, prosperous, and praised doesn’t seem to be on the menu. Whether you believe the Word of God or not is entirely up to you. I can’t force belief on someone; no one can. All I can do is tell you the Biblical truth of the matter and pray that you choose to believe Jesus over the fevered dreams and fantasies of men. Men’s machinations may be more appealing in the short term, but eventually, the words of Jesus will come to pass, and whether you stand or fall will depend upon where you built your foundation.

With love in Christ,

Michael Boldea, Jr.