Days ahead…Terry Dashner….Faith Fellowship Church PO Box 1586 Broken Arrow, OK 74013
A hunting accident in 1858 blinded a young Englishman, leaving him depressed and despondent. Letters from friends did not help much, for they mostly urged him to be resigned to the will of Providence. But one letter was different. It came from a former tutor of the 25-year-old man and said, "It will be your own fault if this trouble does not bring with it some alleviation. The evil that has fallen on you will lose half its terrors if regarded steadfastly in the face with determination to subdue it as far as may be possible."
The letter continued with practical suggestions for study and plans for the future. It was the right challenge. Called on to accept his misfortune and make the best of it, Henry Fawcett became a professor at Cambridge University and later England's postmaster general.
Our world is changing before our very eyes. Some of the changes are good--liberating Iraq from the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein, the world communities coming together to aid the victims of natural disasters worldwide, continuing advancements in science and medicine for the good of mankind, and many more. On the other hand, some of the changes are sobering, to say the least.
Current reports coming out of Asia are that China is getting ready to move against the United States for Taiwan. Nuclear strikes are probable in the noted scenario. Iran is about five years away from nuclear weapons. The Middle East is in turmoil. Israel is giving up occupied land in the Gaza. The Palestinians are claiming victory over Israel through years of jihad by suicide bombings and are steps closer to a Palestinian state. Weather patterns continue to alarm scientists worldwide and populated areas are being destroyed with its people displaced abroad. Truly these are trying times.
As Christians how should we interpret the signs of the times? Although we are Christian, that does not mean we are exempt from alarm and despair; nevertheless, we need not submit to the calamity and despair. Jesus told us over 2000 years ago (Matthew 24; Mark 13; and etc.) that troubling times would come worldwide. He told us that although the earth will shake and the heavens would fall, we are not to fear but rejoice because His coming is nigh. When calamity comes, we can do one of two things. We can fear and submit to the disaster around us. Or we can trust God all the more and do the Father's business of serving our fellowman.
These days the Christian should stand head and shoulders above by stooping to serve everyone in need. This should be our "finest hour." In the midst of darkness all around us, we should shine all the brighter because the light of Jesus Christ shines through us.
Keep the faith. Stay the course. Jesus is coming soon.
Pastor T.
About the Author
Pastors a small church in Oklahoma. U.S. Navy veteran of the Viet Nam era, retired police officer with the city of Tulsa, and father of three grown children.
