We like control. We like comfort. We fear the things that threaten our personal security, and we do everything we can to eliminate them. But God never promised us an easy life. In fact, He tells us we as Christians can expect the opposite. Yet God also tells us not to worry.
How can we reconcile these two apparently opposite ideas, especially during periods of religious persecution, war, or health epidemics when our physical security may be threatened?
We reconcile these truths by remembering God’s promises to all who trust in Jesus: through His death and resurrection, He will save us from sin and death and will be with us no matter what we face. If we really claim those promises, if we hold the present in proper light against eternity, it will have a revolutionary effect on our thought process. Moments of pain, sickness, and discomfort are temporary. Jesus has conquered every single thing that can truly harm us. Our future’s in the bag because we belong to God’s kingdom.
As Christians, we should take reasonable precautions for our wellbeing, but there are so many other things we should be concerned about: that our families and friends put their trust in the hope of Christ we’ve shared with them; that the gospel reaches all nations and people groups; that Christians in restricted nations have access to Scripture; that the message of Christ would penetrate false religions; that our persecuted brothers and sisters stand strong in their faith.
We can control our fears for the present by changing our focus to eternity, when we will live forever with Jesus and our siblings in Christ. The next time you find yourself asking God for safety, couple it with gratitude for a secure future. Through it all, we pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven†(Matthew 6:10). • Michelle Isenhoff
• Do you have a list of potential situations that cause you to worry? How can you act on God’s promise of future security to combat worry in the present?
• What other promises can we claim when we do go through times of danger or suffering?
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (CSB)
Read Verses:
Colossians 1:24–2:7
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