It seems the world is in absolute turmoil. The financial crisis in Greece is frightening, North Korea’s rocket launching is distressing, the threat of nuclear war in the Middle East is terrifying, and the world economy is nightmarish at best.
But should we, as believers of the Most High, be disturbed by these?
Let us not forget that: “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
Throughout the Word of God we read about people who faced unimaginable odds. God, however, came through for them every time, and that same God will do so for us today! We can live in peace, resting completely in the arms of Jesus. We can face anything, for: “[God] gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 15:56 NIV)
Last Friday afternoon (April 13, 2012), I too faced some grim news. Layoffs may be on the horizon, and if this comes to be, none of my 10,000 colleagues, myself included, will escape the axe. Before I knew it I was completely filled with anxiety. I tried to combat it. After all, I am a child of God and I have nothing to fear. Still, insecurity haunted my soul.
It wasn’t until evening that I approached the throne of God, but when I did, He gave me hope. He immediately reminded me the following bible text that He had given me the previous day:
“When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth – Gog and Magog – to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves.” (Rev 20:7-9a NIV)
Imagine being surrounded with such a tremendous foe, the largest army ever brought together, consisting of everyone on the planet who opposed God. Their goal: to destroy everyone who worships God. Pretty scary, don’t you think?
Should we be trembling with fear? Should we try to hide among the rocks? Should we let ourselves be filled with anxiety?
“But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.” (Rev 20:9b NIV)
God will come through, no matter what our circumstances may be, for even the most unimaginable odds are nothing for Him! And He will come through for me as well, even if I find myself without a job in September.
I immediately rebuked the anxiety that was hiding in me, and I placed myself in the caring hands of my loving God. My fear evaporated in seconds, and the next morning I woke up refreshed and excited.
Adventures with God can be anticipated in such conditions. Yes, there may be some tough times, or this threat may be nothing more than just that: A threat! But whatever happens, God’s presence will be felt. Hope took hold of my heart and was there to stay, because I stopped focusing on myself and started focusing on Jesus! I don’t need to control my circumstances! God is in charge!
That same morning I received two offers to join other ministries, one in Pakistan, the other in Malawi. Very interesting timing! No matter what happens next, I know I will be where God wants me to be!
The same is true for you my friend. Losing a job is not the end of the world. It’s an opportunity to experience God fully and discover that He will come through for you. Remember “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 NIV)
Furthermore Jesus promised us: “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27 NIV)
Victory is within your reach. Will you take hold of it?
“Oh by the way, you are fired!”
“Yahoo! I know my God has other plans for me! I can expect an adventure out of this world!”
Rob Chaffart
(To access the entire “Facing Unimaginable Odds” devotional series, please click here.)