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