Times Are Getting Tough, Can I Panic Now?

Mattew 24;4-8

 ^4-8Jesus said, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities, claiming, ‘I am Christ, the Messiah.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When reports come in of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history; this is no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Famines and earthquakes will occur in various places. This is nothing compared to what is coming.

Since my last post more chaos has come into the world, and it seems as if it has come in an accelerated pace.  Qadhafi in Libya now seems to be crushing the rebellion in his country, the price of gas is affecting many American families in their pocket books. With the summer driving season approaching, it is possible that gas will go up some more.  In Japan an earthquake and tsunami devastated the tiny nation.  You may be asking me the question again” Pastor Greg, should I panic yet.  The answer is still no.  Instead of panic, we should pray, instead of panic we should prepare, instead of panic we should pay. 

Pray Instead of Panic

All of us are going through something in our lives.  In life personally, I have experienced the miscarriage of our first child, I have had my wife in the hospital for one year because of sickness, my daughter has fought and won a battle with cancer.  When crisis comes, prayer helps.  God brings peace and answers in his perfect timing.  Right now many in the world are going through much more dealing with the anguish of the pain at the pump.  Many this morning have awoken to war, famine, pestilence, homelessness, persecution and panic.

During tough times people have a tendency to turn inward and withdraw.  We focus on ourselves and our problems.  As many predict the end as we know it, we tend to hunker down, wait, and hope  for the best.  I am proposing that instead of just focusing on ourselves we need to also focus on others.  Let us also pray for others.  Pray for the the victims of natural disaster in Japan.  Pray for the victims of war and protest in Libya and other countries around the world.  Pray that God use the evil that is happening for his Good.  Pray that in these crises, that the  gospel moves forward  and brings many to Christ. 

The scripture above says that what we are experiencing is par for the course in this world.  Rather than panic we should pray. 

Lord God we thank you that what is happening in this world has not caught you by surprise.  You are the most high God, and we give you all glory and praise.  I thank you heavenly father that you are still in control over everything that is happening in this world.  We ask that you empower your church with a fresh infilling of your Spirit to bring about healing to our hurting world.  We do not pray for safety, but boldness to spread your word.  We do not pray for security, but courage to do your will.  Lord use us in these tough times to show your light.  We pray this in the name of your most holy and precious son,  Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Next topic of discussion is “Don’t panic, prepare.”

Untill next time: remember Matthew 24:13-14 “Staying with it—that’s what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be saved. All during this time, the good news—the Message of the kingdom—will be preached all over the world, a witness staked out in every country. And then the end will come.

People need your prayers. So please pray.

Until next time

God bless,

pastor greg t