These are the words we are bombarded with each day. We see it on Social Media, in the news, from others around us and also in politics!
It is so clear that evil is evident in the days we live and I often wonder if it was like this during Sodom and Gomorrah, but then I am reminded of the verse in Ecclesiastes: 1:9
What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. I do not know about you, but this verse gives me hope, because God knows the future before He even created the world.
Today, I want to talk about whether we should fear terrorism, which is the hot topic currently all over the world. We see what Hamas is doing to innocent people?not just Israelies, but anybody that comes in their way. We hear that if Israel does not stop Hamas it will overflow to other nations. Those words instil fear in so many people. Becareful who you listen to and what you believe.
Just this morning I was thinking about a time that I was thinking it would be a good idea to let my son go and work for a year in the Kibbutz because it was something he always wanted to go to Israel and just going on a tour was not enough. So, while in thought, I felt intense sorrow for the people who lost their lives on 7 October and even more so for their loved ones, seeing images of their daughters and sons being savagely killed on Social Media, because it could have been my son or daughter. I sighed for a moment and said thank you that we are not there, but are we really safe.
As a Christ-follower, I believe the word of God offers us awesome promises and it brings comfort, even if we feel afraid?because we are human.
In Luke 12:4-7 The Bible says: ?I tell you, my friends, don't be terrified by those who can kill the body but after that can do nothing more?Even the hairs on your head are all counted. Don?t be afraid.?
Pain and Suffering
Does that mean that we will be under God?s protection and we will not be exposed to terrorism, hatred, assault and slanderous words, just to name a few.
No, God did not promise us a life without suffering, and to think of it. We deserve to suffer because we are so sinful, but Jesus, who had no sin, went through hatred, slanderous words, pain and horror. Jesus knew that if we believe in Him we can follow Him in His example and share eternity with Him where there is no evil.
He comforts us by saying that death is nothing to be afraid of. 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 says: ?When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, o death is your victory! Where, o death is your sting?
Trust God
If God says that our hairs on our heads are counted, we should relax and fear no more because we have to put our trust in Him. God allowed for Jesus to be crucified because He knew the outcome of the future. He knew that Jesus would rise again and with Him all who believe in Him?That is a loving God.
Can you see why God allowed it? His ways are higher than our ways. Isaiah 55: 8-9 ?For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declared the Lord, for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
We need to trust God completely and not trust in our own strength and understanding. We need to know nobody can harm us unless God allows it. Just knowing that will bring peace above all understanding. Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Then you will experience God?s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
God is still in Control
As it is at this moment, we are all praying for Israel, and all the victims in Palestine, but also for other dreadful acts committed against others all over the world, because the Bible tells us to pray, and if the Bible tells us to do that, we have to, even if we know Jesus warned us about these terrible things. He said: ?Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, which is only the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24: 6 -14)
Where do we Stand
While the world is fighting terrorism, we can fight our fear in our own lives. The Bible does not promise us that we or our loved ones will not be affected by terrorism or any other crisis, but the bible tells us to choose Christ and experience peace within.