In the past two weeks alone we have seen untold devastation and death in Asia: starting with Cyclone Nargis in Mynnamar on May 2; then the earthquake in Sichuan Province in China on May 12. If these events were not grievousness enough, add to the list another terrorist attack on May 13 (seven separate bombings killing eighty people) in Jaipur, India.
The Bible predicts such events. “There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven” (Luke 21:11 NIV). “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days” (2 Timothy 3:1-2 NIV).
The Apostle Paul describes these last days in which we live as “terrible” (KJV calls them “perilous”). They grieve our hearts; how much more does the heart of our Heavenly Father grieve! But we are not “to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13 NIV) because we know the end of the story – Jesus is victorious!
And so while these days are terrible (perilous and grievous to our hearts) they are also tremendous opportunities for believers. We can call upon the Lord on behalf of people and situations (news reaches us within minutes of events happening). We can give of our time and resources, as we are able; and we can use conversations about “these terrible times” to share why we are not fearful – we are trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ; and He will be victorious! Praise God for this hope.
~Beth Jones