“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”  Matthew 24:6-13 (NIV)

I was reading this morning of China taking very provocative actions regarding their export policies, resulting in jolted financial markets and reactions from the U.S. and World.  My first thoughts were ‘I hope this can be resolved peacefully and to everyone’s satisfaction.’  Then immediately I was drawn to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24 and his confirming that things such as this will happen.  So, instead of concern and anxiety, I choose to lay another situation beyond my control at the feet of my Father in Heaven and trust.  I choose faith, laced in trust with the knowledge of a benevolent Father who tells me these things must happen.  Okay, bring them on!

I was having a wonderful conversation with the chairman of a small bank in Monroe County, TN yesterday after we discovered we were brothers in Christ.  He made the comment that he had grown up in one Protestant religion and was a part of another that he feared was moving away from the veracity of scripture.  Then as we were discussing this he beautifully said, “I live in the knowledge and truth of a never changing God, who said these things must happen.”  Awesome!

So I began to think, ‘why do you allow your heart to be troubled by things that Jesus said would happen 2200 years ago?’  Do I reflect hope?  Do I assure promise?  Do others see in me the confidence of the truth of Christ and the assurance of eternity in Heaven with the Savior of the World?  I hope so.  I pray so.  

A few years ago I was struggling with the unfair treatment of Paul when he was unjustly imprisoned.  As I tried to reconcile this, the Holy Spirit said to me that Paul’s unjust imprisonment resulted in the letters to the early churches that resulted in significant portions of the New Testament.  The Good News that billions have read and has caused millions upon millions to surrender their lives to Christ. Was it worth it to Paul?  The Holy Spirit told me that it was and that I should ask him when I get to Heaven.  Wow!  God uses all things for good…

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”  Romans 8:28 (NLT)

So in a time where God knew that his beloved son, Charlie, would be publicly executed to the horror of all who witnessed that terrible microsecond, the plans for good were laid.  The decades of hijacking of the minds of our youth through higher education were refuted and transformed in an instance.  Life trajectories filled with purpose instantly confirmed.  Who would have believed 60 days ago what is occurring in college campuses across our Country and the World?  Who could have seen the rallying cry of our youth transformed from narcissistic pursuits to eternal purpose.  When King Hezekiah was facing the limitless forces formed against his army, who could have seen God’s angel destroy 185,000 of them during the night?  No one…but faith reigned.  Hope prevailed.  Promise of everything working for good proved itself yet again.

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring.  My God tells me tomorrow is not promised.  So the knowledge that the Omnipotent Creator tells me tomorrow is not promised but that eternity is assured is enough.  China, take your toys and leave the sandbox of Worldly cooperation.  These things must happen.  My Savior tells me so.  Your actions are not a surprise and will not determine my life’s joy.  My joy is controlled by the Maker of Joy.

Let’s be the source of calm, hope and truth to those around us.  

That is enough.