When Hell Breaks Loose

Every generation has that one event they will always remember. That event for which they can say, "Where were you when...?"

December 7, 1941 The Day That Will Go Down in Infamy

November 22, 1963 The JFK Assassination

January 28, 1986 The Challenger Explosion

September 11, 2001 The Terrorist Attack That Changed Everything

And since that day, shocking events are coming faster and faster, it seems, like a boulder rolling unchecked down a hill. According to an article in today's USA Today, 2017 is now the holder of an infamous title: Worst Year for Mass Killings in at least the last decade. People are stressed and anxious, because we cannot know when or where the next attack will be, and even sanctuaries are not safe.

So what do we do when all hell is breaking loose?

As Christians we must have two responses.

1. Do not be afraid. The Enemy is strong, but our God is stronger.

Deuteronomy 20:1 says, "When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you."

We are definitely fighting an Enemy, and he is constantly recruiting. But our God is stronger, and our God is with us. He hasn't left us to fend for ourselves. "I am with you always, even to the end of the age," Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 28:20.

Which leads us to the second thing we must do in response to the evil of the world.

2. Pray. Above all else, continually, pray.

From Psalm 3: O Lord, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me....I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me round about." We can pray for God to act, to save us from evil people.

3. Preach Christ.

Matthew 28: 18-20 says, "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

We are to preach the gospel, make disciples, baptize them, and teach them everything we know about God and His Word. We cannot sit in our safe nests and wait for Christ's return. We should be working to take as many people with us as possible.

Christ is coming. We don't know when. Let our lives overflow with peace and hope because of the Truth. What was true 2000 years ago is still true today: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age."