She burned down her house and lives off the land in Africa. Her name is Jja Ja Nakibuuka. Leprosy has claimed her fingers and toes. She owns nothing, so children sometimes offer her food and small presents. When she greets the children and their mothers, Jja Ja Nakibuuka always says the same thing: “God is good, and He is coming back.”
The Bible encourages us to anticipate the moment when Jesus will return to earth (1 Peter 1:13), and it also warns us about the time preceding His return. In those days, some Christians will stand trial before government officials. Some will face hatred, betrayal, prison, and even death (Luke 21:12-17). The upheaval in our lives will be intense.
Despite this turmoil, God will support those who believe in Him. Jesus said, “I will give you the right words and . . . wisdom” at the right moments (Luke 21:15). We’ll be able to rely completely on Him, and He will never fail us (1 Peter 4:19). We won’t fret or fear, for we know Jesus will rescue those who remain faithful to the end (Luke 21:28).
By remaining faithful to God and standing firm, we will experience His salvation (Luke 21:19). Despite persecution, Christians will thrive spiritually and help others to do so as well. God’s saving power will still be active in the world, and He will enable us to carry out “the good things He planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10).
Do you ever feel concerned about future world events? If so, remember that “when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much . . . honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world” (1 Peter 1:7).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 9:28-45
More:
Look up Matthew 24:36 to see why it’s useless to try to predict Jesus’ return date. Read 1 Corinthians 15:52 to see what will happen to believers when Jesus returns.
Next:
What’s your attitude toward Jesus’ second coming? If you knew the day and time of His return, how would you live differently?
Gary Shultz on July 23, 2014 at 7:33 am
Yes, very true and God has chosen us to be here “for such a time as this”.
bobrogers on July 23, 2014 at 6:15 pm
Thank you, Jennifer. I have a friend who arrived in Australia as a refugee fleeing persecution in Iran 13 years ago. He is in immigration detention waiting notice on his future – he and his family could be deported.
Your words this morning are a great encouragement – I will take a copy to him.
We in the West live so well and are greatly blessed by God. We know little of the persecution faced by many of our brothers and sisters. We need to give more thoughts and prayers for those persecuted for their faith.
poohpity on July 23, 2014 at 10:26 pm
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Mike Wittmer on July 24, 2014 at 6:07 pm
This is timely encouragement for our day. Persecution may be coming, but so is Jesus!
LCC on July 25, 2014 at 11:48 pm
Let’s prepare the way for the Lord in the wilderness.. (Isaiah 40:3)
Winn Collier on July 30, 2014 at 3:20 pm
a subversive peace, yes indeed.