Are we on the precipice of World War III? Has the Tribulation just begun? Is Christ’s return right around the corner? Are Russia and China the God and Magog (Rev 20:7–10)? Maybe you’ve had questions like these considering recent happenings. I have. How should we address these troubling events? Here are a couple of suggestions.
First, don’t date set. Every generation of Christians have been inclined to see themselves as the last generation before Christ’s second coming. That tendency is in our hearts, too. We need to be hesitant about this tendency. Yes, Christ will return soon. Yes, some Christians will get it right and be the generation who see the Lord return. But simply because a broken clock is right twice a day doesn’t mean you should try to tell time with it.
Second, believe in the absolute sovereignty of God. Behind all human affairs stands God’s decree. Why do events play out as they do? Because God has determined that the events would occur that way. No event occurs by chance. Every event—top to bottom—occurs in the exact way God planned it would. Read Ezra 1:1–4. It’s all happening according to the Lord’s plan.
Third, trust the Lord. Not only is God sovereign; He is also good. He’s trustworthy. Our only refuge in this life is the Lord. Further, we cannot control consequential geo-political affairs, let alone our own heartbeat. What alternative do we have other than trusting the Lord? None. All we have is Him, and He is enough. As Ps 41:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who can always be found in times of trouble.”
Pastor Chance
