God Will Take Care of You!

Welcome to a new week!

The nation is in economic turmoil right now. Banks are faltering, investments are at risk, job losses are on the increase, and fear is mounting in many quarters. On another front, natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes are occurring with increasing frequency all around the world. Nations continue to wage wars against one other.

As Christians, none of these events should catch you by surprise, because they have been foretold in the Word of God. In Luke 21:8-26, Jesus prophesied:
"And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don't panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won't follow immediately." Then he added, "Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven..."And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken"

Why would Jesus tell us not to panic in the midst of these terrible events which so easily cause fear? The reason is that God has promised time and time again that He will take care of those who put their trust in Him in troubled times. He has promised to exempt His covenant people who trust Him from the calamities that befall the world. See, for example, Psalm 91:

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone."

Also see Job 5:19-20:

"From six disasters he will rescue you; even in the seventh, he will keep you from evil. He will save you from death in time of famine, from the power of the sword in time of war. You will be safe from slander and have no fear when destruction comes. You will laugh at destruction and famine."

In this week's LightPoints, I want to encourage you to stay strong and full of faith. Following are some action points:

1. Don't panic! Tough times are opportunities to demonstrate your trust in God. Instead of giving in to panic, give your faith a chance to work. Refuse to be afraid.

2. Keep Your Focus on the Word: When the things people trust in begin to fail, remember that God's word cannot fail you. Keep speaking the promises of God relentlessly. Keep your faith in gear. Your faith will overcome every contrary circumstance (I John 5:4).

3. Throw a Victory Party: The easiest route to go during tough times is to engage in a pity party. Questions like "why me?" and "What am I going to do now?" are manifestations of worry and pity partying. Throw a joyous victory party instead as commanded in James 1:

"Dear brothers and sisters,? when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

How can you rejoice when things look so bad? Well, because things are not really the way they look if you choose to look through the perspective of God's promises to you. Your faith will bring the unseen into manifestation and victory will be yours.

I encourage you to keep your joy level up. Do something this week - sing, sing, sing! Sing spiritual psalms of praise to God. Read the Psalms and recite them. Keep your mind focused on God's faithfulness by maintaining a thankful attitude.

God will take care of you.

Blessings this week,

Pastor Lan

 

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