In one mere hour, 2013 will arrive. It is hard to believe that 2012 is nearly a year of the past. Several significant events occurred these twelve months: the world survived the Mayan doomsday prediction and Mr. Harold Camping's embarrassing rapture prophecy. Greece's economy, along with Spain's and Portugal's, is experiencing major financial, political, and social crisis. Surrounding Islamic countries have been increasingly battering Israel's small territory with detrimental missiles. Recently, twenty-six precious lives were claimed at the hand of a suicidal gunman.The United States re-elected President Obama and are teetering on the edge of a potentially devastating fiscal cliff. Even tonight, several homosexual couples will be joining in unholy matrimony because their corrupt marriage licenses officially become valid at midnight.
We cannot help but ask, "Where does a Christian find himself through all of this?" How can we possibly survive - or at least maintain sanity - through all of this seemingly uncontrollable chaos?
Not many days ago, I found myself contemplating these questions. Although I regret my actions now, I remember experiencing terrible fear and mistrust of the future. From the articles we read in the newspaper, to the tragic events announced from the news anchor, it is very evident that this world is quickly spiraling downward. It is inevitable - as the United States and ultimately the entire world becomes further hardened towards Jesus Christ and the Gospel, Christianity and Christians will become despised and outlawed. This frightened me, and still continues to stir concern inside of me.
However, fear is not of the Lord.
That day as I sat wallowing in disdain, I realized how little I trusted the Lord. Yes, my future may be uncertain, but does that give me an excuse to buckle? No. If anything, it should strengthen me and build up my faith in Christ.
No matter how bad or uncertain things are, there is One who never changes and promises to never leave me nor forsake me. There is One far greater than I who holds the future in His hand. There is nothing that does not slip His eye. He observes all. He sees all. He has all under total control. Through this sinful world's miserable plunge into wickedness, Jesus Christ remains our stronghold.
Giving my fear up to the Lord means putting my trusting Him thoroughly and completely. Slowly, the Lord has been replacing my ungodly fear with blessed assurance in Him. Reader, times will get tough and our faith needs to be stronger, bolder, and braver than ever. I ask you, are you ready to trust Christ with 2013? Pray to Him now, and ask for the strength and courage to face this year. Ask for a renewed spirit, and a freedom from fear. God is good, and never forget: He will ultimately triumph.
1 Peter 5:6-11
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
