There’s no doubt that major problems and catastrophes are on the rise throughout the world. The Bible speaks about a time when “there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven” (Luke 21:11). Are the massive fires sweeping across not only California but also the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and Australia part of these “fearful sights”?
The reality is none of us know for sure with 100% accuracy. Only God knows for certain. These events may be signs of the end times, but it’s important to keep in mind that only God knows for certain and... WE ARE NOT AT THE END JUST YET… because if you are reading this post, then YOU ARE ALIVE …at least for now.
The other thing to keep in mind is, Matthew 24: 36 says “Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” Also, many other events in the political, religious, and economic landscape have yet to take place. However, such disasters around the planet may point to what Revelation points to as the system of the antichrist power. As we are seeing more and more evil in the world as well.
With that said: Is there an inherently Christian way to respond during a crisis like what we are seeing in Los Angeles as well as other parts of the world? The best and most immediate response to people in crisis is one of love, compassion, concern and practical help. . James 2: 14 - 17 says ...What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Sadly, times like these when we are devasted and searching for answers we can be tempted to make misinformed judgments or worse blame the victims. The desire for certainty in an uncertain world is a natural human affinity. We want to know why, how, and what’s next? This is completely understandable, but at the same time this can cause us to fill in the blanks of what we don’t know with pre-mature and careless statements like: “God must be punishing you/them/us”; “Maybe God needed to get your attention” or misguided platitudes like: “God wouldn’t give you more than you can bear.”
The reality of this life is none of us can say with certainty that we know all of God’s plans, purposes, reasons and thoughts. Careless statements like the ones I mentioned earlier may give the person making the statement the feeling like they are saying something propound and deep, but since we don’t know for certain it is spiritual irresponsible for the mature Believer to say things like this. Please don’t do this. It is not helpful or encouraging or edifying
While thousands of people are facing unbelievable loss, let’s start this week with the goal of walking in love, and compassion. Do what you can to help in whatever way you can. Show love and generosity to those who are suffering and struggling with no hidden agenda and no strings attached. There are many organizations and community groups doing relief work, if you find it in your heart to lend a helping hand do so.
Living in uncertain times as more and more disasters occur, wars break out and civil unrest is scary. I get it. As a human being like you, I am not immune to worry and fear. But at the end of the day we can still pray. There is power in prayer. We can pray for God’s mercy. We can pray for the people who have lost so much, we can pray for the firefighter and rescue workers. We can share the message of the Gospel and we can invite others to give their lives to Christ. Because no matter what happens in this world the safest place to be in …IN THE WILL OF GOD!
Psalm 91: 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty?
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