KEEPING THE FAITH IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES
It is very important to maintain your faith in times of troubles, tribulations, persecutions, or trials because that is the true proof that Jesus Christ is the Lord of your life; that you are a Christian. Christianity is accurately practiced outside the four walls of your local church building. That is where you prove your love for the Master. The Apostle Paul asked, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” Romans 8: 35. There is no denying the fact that these are difficult times. The things we read about or probably watched on television or saw on the internet is right in from of us.
Many are afraid of contracting the novel virus plaguing the world right now. There are some who have lost their loved ones, jobs, and businesses to COVID 19. The different restrictions and lockdowns have pushed so many into depression and other related sicknesses. However, if you are a Christian and you have been studying your Bible, none of what is happening now would have caught you off guard. Reason being that these are signs of the end times. The rapture of the Church of Jesus Christ and the reveling of the anti-Christ is imminent.
Instead of vacillating and getting overwhelmed by what is happening around you, stay your faith on the Word of God. It is only the Word of God that can stabilize you and drive away fear from attacking your heart. The Lord Jesus Christ said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” John 16: 33. These are the words of Jesus Christ. He lets us know that there will be tribulations in this world. However, He admonishes us to take heart because He has overcome the world for you.
Again the things that are happening in our world presently are signs of end-time the Bible talks about. The devil is trying to gain grounds before his time. Through his wicked activities, the economies of many countries are being crippled and many jobs and businesses are either lost or in distresses. He is the one influencing individuals and governments around the world to take measures and regulations to cause panic and increase fear. He wants to establish ‘Luciferian’ societies where God’s people cannot congregate to worship God corporately.
When the Apostles Paul and Barnabas visited the Christians in Antioch the second time, and by implication us, “They strengthened the believers and encouraged them to remain true to the faith "We must pass through many troubles to enter the Kingdom of God," they taught” Acts 14: 22. With this understanding, glue yourself to the Word of God. Study it day and night and continue fervently in prayers so your faith can be strengthened. Without meaning to scare you, understand that bad things will still happen but be encouraged because the plagues are not for you.
Remember that, “A thousand may fall dead beside you, ten thousand all around you, but you will not be harmed” Psalm 91: 7.