Terror


We all have been affected in some way by the terrorism of our time. There is a general feeling of fear and helplessness that overcomes people at times like this. The purpose of terrorism is to generate a spirit of fear in the people. And, just in case terrorism is not enough, we have the Ebola virus to worry about now as well.

Maybe you would like me or someone to assure you that all of this will be just fine and get much better soon. I would be a fool to try to calm someone’s fear in that way. Things in this world are not getting better, but will go from bad to worse. Some may now be considering me a fearmonger. Well, I do have some good news to share.

First of all, we need to know that God is still in control. None of these things have caught Him off guard. As one man commented, “The Holy Trinity never met in emergency session.” God is still on His throne, and is over all. We must simply put our trust in our God. The psalmist says, “When I am afraid, I will trust in Him.” Psalm 56:3.

So, why do these things happen, that brings so much destruction and sadness. Well, at the very heart of all evil, of course, is sin. There will always be sadness and destruction and evil in this world, until Jesus comes to reign and is sovereign in this world. We must always keep God’s Word in view to understand these happenings.

We are told plainly that in the last days would be perilous times. Men would be lovers of their own selves, and without natural affection. 1 Timothy 3:1-5. This is the nature of man without Christ. We must not get caught up in the thinking that man will solve this problem. We must keep our eyes on Jesus. He is the only Prince of Peace.

This is a time to share our hope with others. We can let others know of Jesus, and the peace that He brings to our life. Many are seeking answers in this time, and we have exactly what they need. It is a time for our testimony of God’s grace and peace in our lives to shine forth.

What could God’s people want with this world? We have a heavenly calling. How foolish we are when we cling to things that are temporal instead of seeking eternal riches and blessings.

If you have become concerned about the events of this world, please consider the Word of God. Jesus tells us, “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. What a great consolation and hope Jesus gives to us.

Let your light shine to others at this time, and maybe others will come to know Jesus through your testimony.

Gordon Crook