We live in a time of great and dangerous change on the world scene. It is not something strange in that we have been caught unaware. Many of us have known and understood, to one degree or another, biblical prophecy of the last days for many decades, depending on when we were first exposed to God’s truth. Those who have not yet had their minds opened by God, however, are experiencing a great deal of fear. That fear, borne of uncertainty, causes a near-instant response. There is a mad scramble to put one’s confidence into something…anything that might bring one safety.
The desire for safety in fearful times is a healthy thing, but the means by which it is sought can come from opposite ends. It can come from putting our faith in our own reasoning or that of human leaders, which is, to a large degree, what is rapidly happening in Europe and around the world presently. Understanding what we do of the rise of the beast power to come brings to mind the trap that has been set for unwary human minds. “Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:5). Trusting in human strength that can be seen will destroy faith in God. That is what is being painted on the world scene right now.
Our response to rapidly growing danger must be one of steadfast faith in God. That does not mean that we will never fear. Fear is something that we all have and will encounter at various times, just as King David did in his time. “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4). David knew that any fear could ultimately be shaken off in faith. It is not that flesh or man cannot cause our death if God so allows it, but that fear is something that can be overcome by faith.
The faithful can certainly see the physical danger around them, but their eyes are set on God’s promises that lay just beyond our present time. “But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:16).
Marshall Stiver
