Jesus told us there would be wars and rumors of wars. He told us not to be frightened by the news because these things must come to pass. “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” He said there would be famine, pestilences (plagues) and earthquakes. He said these things are the beginning of sorrows (Mt 24:4-8).
This is certainly not good news and is naturally frightening. Why then would he tell us not to be troubled? (Mt 24:6).
Look at his words again, “See that you are not troubled; (why?) because these things must come to pass.” In other words, “Don’t be afraid because I have ordained certain things to happen. If they affect you, I will still be with you. I will never leave you alone” (Mt 28:20; John 14:18).
When we understand that God has given us life (Job 12:10, 34:14-15; Acts 17:25) we know our life is in his hands. We are his servants, friends, and children. He sends us where he wills and makes us able to stand firm in him no matter the circumstance. ( Rom 14:4; Eph 6:6; John 15:14; 1 John 3:2). While God is using us to reach others on the earth, he is also preparing us for our eternal responsibilities (1 John 3:2; 2 Tim 2:12; Ps 91:5-12).
