Staying Faithful in Times of Trouble by Cynthia Greene
As believers we are called to watch, remain alert, and be aware of what is happening in the world around us.
“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 24:42)
Today’s news headlines reveal that we are living in times of wars, extreme weather patterns, economic uncertainty, Christian persecution, and acts of evil around the globe.
“But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, the end is not yet. For nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:7-8)
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) warns us not to fall asleep while we wait for the bridegroom–the second coming of Jesus. The five wise bridesmaids were spiritually prepared and had their lamps full of oil.
“But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)
How can we remain steadfast and faithful in uncertain times?
Faith Over Fear
Related Blog Post: Faith Like Sarah
Fear is a natural reaction, alerting us to danger and prompting us to act with caution. However, we must guard against letting fear control us.
When we see things through God’s eyes, faith becomes our foundation. Faith allows us to focus on God who is faithful, just, and an active presence in our lives. It reminds us that He is our refuge and strength and the source of peace that surpasses understanding. Faith helps us to focus on who God who is ultimately in control.
“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 92 Timothy 1:7)
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3)
Remain Grounded in God’s Truth
Related Blog Post: The Truth Will Set You Free
Unlike people in centuries past, we can easily access God’s truth through the written Word of the Bible. Reading and studying Scripture pours His wisdom and guidance into our hearts and minds.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path…” (Psalm 119:105)
Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we have access to the Holy Spirit which guides us into all truth.
“For through Him (Jesus Christ), we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” (Ephesians 2:18)
“…when the Spirit of truth, has come, it will guide you into all truth…” (John 6:13)
Staying grounded in God’s Word will help us to discern truth from deception, Jesus said, “watch out that no one deceives you.” (Matthew 24:4).
Pray for Protection and Peace
Related Blog Post: Make Morning Prayer a Habit
God hears our prayers for not only ourselves, but our families, communities, and nations.
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)
“He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble…”. (Psalm 91:15)
Prayer is a powerful tool included in the Armor of God in Ephesians 6,
“…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…” (Ephesians 6;:18)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Show Compassion & Pray for Those Affected By Evil
Related Blog Post: Praying for the Broken-Hearted
It is heartbreaking to hear the stories of those suffering from persecution and at the hands of evil abusers. As Christians we are called to weep and cry for the sorrows that others are going through.
‘Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12;15).
God gave Ezekiel an end-time prophesy that described where God commands a mark to be placed on the foreheads of the righteous in Jerusalem who sigh, groan, and mourn over the city’s evil. This mark acts as a seal of protection and identifies those who are faithful to God in the End Times. God’s people are the ones that cry out for the sinful evil acts that happen.
“..and the Lord said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it.” (Ezekiel 9:4)
As Believers our hope is found in Revelation 21, where at the return of Jesus Christ to establish God’s Kingdom and the end of sorrow and suffering.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” (Revelation 21:4, NIV).
Do Good Works
Related Blog Post: Created to Do Good Works
Even in the dark times. we need to continue to do good works that honor and bring glory to God. Find words and actions that you can do to encourage and uplift others. Actively share God’s hope, truth and promises with others.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Seek God While He May be Found
Related Blog Post: El Shaddai: The Almighty God Who Is Able To Do All Things
The book of Proverbs illustrates a time when the “foolish”, who didn’t seek out God or listen to Him, will no longer be able to find Him.
“They will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord.” (Proverbs 1:28-29)
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6)
“You will look for Me and find Me, when you look for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13, NLV)
The Parable of the Ten Virgins illustrates a wedding supper with a depiction of 5 foolish and 5 wise bridesmaids entering a wedding feast. It provides this warning:
“And while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.”
Conclusion
We are called to watch, pray, remain faithful, keep our eyes, hearts and minds on God and look to Him for strength and salvation.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is my strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
God’s faithful are not promised a life without our own personal trials and suffering. In addition, we will witness the sorrows and tribulations that come upon the world. What we are promised is God’s presence, peace, joy, protection, strength and the fulfillment of His promises.
“His Lord said to Him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you a ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)
