During Jesus time, the people were no strangers to war, oppression, bad economy, threats, fear, disease and concern for their own mortality. Jesus encouraged them to keep their priorities straight and "fight the good fight," striving to be obedient Christians - children of God. The irony of times like that is the potential it brings for unity of the church, the coming together that historically is not there as much during perceived times of comfort and peace. After 911 there was a reported (noticeable) increase of people praying and going back to church where many searched for answers.  People all over the country sought God's word and comfort to get them through those difficult days.  By the end of the following year, many had all but forgotten the crisis, leaving the churches empty, and the cries that once flooded God's ears had gone silent. 

            The dilemma we face these days as Christians begs the question, what type of environment would we choose to live in?  If it were up to us, would we determine that the world should be at peace in our times?  Would that bring us closer to God, or would that produce a relaxed atmosphere toward God with less emphasis on Jesus message and return?  Or would we acknowledge that in times of trouble we would find opportunity to rally around our Lord and use the events to our advantage as Christian soldiers?  Since that decision is not wholly left to us, we are left to embrace the times for what they are; a battle for which we all must come together as never before.  During times of peace and prosperity we can rightly give thanks to God the Father, the provider of means and safety in our lives.  But during times of duress and worry, we can turn to God and to each other with a greater resolve, girding our loins as it were, to not only find comfort in God’s word and in each other, but to put on the full armor of God, and unite as a people of God and make a stand for what Satan surely views as victories. 

            Throughout the Old Testament, God's people would find themselves in terrible predicaments of sin, and experienced the consequences God directed toward them as a result of those sins.  God in his mercy would hear their prayer, often granting answers to those prayers through prophets, kings and other servants of God, as they came together in repentance and prayer.  As peace settled on the land, and with no immediate danger visible, they reverted quickly back to their old ways, and the cycle continued.  We have fought and tarried and worked hard to establish a “promise land” if you will, where we could worship God without fear of persecution, and devote our lives to our families and God’s work.  But today we find ourselves in times of distress and evil that mirrors some of those Old Testament patterns.   God's judgment on the Israelites could span several hundred years. We've only been in a free land that God has provided for us for a little over 200 years. I wonder where we might be in that timeline if judgment where pending?  The lessons we have to learn will sit silently in the pages of the bible if not read, heeded, and shared with those we live and interact with.

            So as you read the paper and as you listen to the news, remember the comfort of our Lord’s words: “Lo, I am with you always,” and, “I am the Alpha and the Omega.”  God is in control but looks to use us as His children to prepare for the battles that lay ahead:  “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand (Eph 6:13); “Pray without ceasing;”  (1 Thess 5:17);  “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.”  (Matt 5:16).  We should be using the current events to compel us in uniting ourselves as never before, knowing that harder times are coming.  Matthew 10:28 reminds us to “…not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”  We shouldn't fear any near and present danger as much as we should fear God's wrath that would be inflicted as a result of sitting idly by.  And when you wake tomorrow morning, be thankful for the bed you slept in, and for all the blessing God has provided for you in some measure.  But don’t let the sign of the times preoccupy your mind; look to God in prayer for your role in the real battle before us, not letting Satan take the upper hand in creating fear and chaos in our lives.  Isaiah 52:12 promises, “The Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”  If the children of God are afraid and confused, what will those who look to us think?   And always remember what James 1:12 admonishes, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”