- Matthew 24:9-14 “…they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (NASB)
First: I am not a doomsayer. Though there are clearly things to worry about.
Whenever a tragedy occurs much of the world is quick to point at Christians and say, “Where is your God now?” They often say, “What good are your prayers in the real world?”
At times, for whatever reason, God seems to intervene in the events, situations, circumstances, and sicknesses of the world. However, that is not always the case. There are other forces at work. If we dig deep, perhaps many generations, much of the world’s woes stem back to free will. The great gift of free will is also the world’s greatest curse, and God often let’s it take it’s course.
The above scripture are the Words of Jesus. They are in stark contrast to what much of the church seems to teach. This earth is not all butterflies, roses, and rainbows. There is a reason that we, as Christians, are commissioned to spread the love and Word of God. This is so the hearts of man may be turned from what is sometimes darkest evil to an Eternal Light, while there is still time, individually and as a society.
Even when we try to do what is right, our hearts often stray. However, if we endure the struggle within ourselves and with the world, ultimately the triumph is the Lord’s within each of us.
Perhaps, sometime in the future, this world will be a better place. Unfortunately, Jesus warned us that as long as this world exists as we know it, it is going to keep on getting worse. For now, the best we can do is with our thoughts and prayers. It is the thoughts of man that need to be changed, and we should never stop trying or praying, no matter the outcome.