We are living in a time of severe crisis. In Merriam Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, a crisis is defined as “an unstable or critical time or state of affairs in which a decisive change is impending.” We are faced with several crises in our world today. One can point to COVID-19, the political unrest, global financial recession, and moral decay in our society. These factors, and more, have plunged the world into crises that we have not witnessed during the past 100 years.
Even though the coronavirus has been having a devastating effect on most countries, the United States stands out as the most affected, primarily due to not adhering to the guidelines established by the scientists and health professionals. Not being able to control the spread of the virus has placed the nation in crisis mode.
This situation brings to mind what Jesus said about the condition of the world prior to His second coming. The scripture declared that “there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows”—Matthew 24:7, 8 (NKJV).
Satan has unleashed his demonic forces in the world, and many have fallen prey to the tempter’s power. Evil angels are working through human instrumentalities to carry out the plans of the devil. The crisis in the world is not a coincidence. These are signs that we are living in the last days before Jesus comes to redeem His chosen ones.
Ellen White wrote, “While appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal all their maladies, [Satan] will bring disease and disaster, until populous cities are reduced to ruin and desolation. Even now he is at work. In accidents and calamities by sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power”—The Great Controversy, p. 589.
How should God’s people respond to the prevailing crises? Those who are the people of God and have made a covenant with Him should not be surprised by what is happening now, because the Word of God predicted these things.
Courage must be the watchword as we face these crises coming upon the earth. Let us never be afraid nor anxious because God is our shield and protector. The Lord has promised never to leave nor forsake us. Therefore, even though our faith is being challenged; even though we may not return to a “normal” way of worship, because of the pandemic, God has provided avenues and creative means through which we can still proclaim the three angels’ messages to the world.
As we transition into the new year, 2021, let us be cognizant of the fact that the time is coming when we will not be able to publicly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, let us increase our efforts, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to advance the work of God in this world. We will face great opposition; however, let’s not be daunted, because God is with us. Ellen White reminded us that “Hope and courage are essential to perfect service for God. These are the fruit of faith. Despondency is sinful and unreasonable”—Prophets and Kings, p. 164.
“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 10. Let’s rest assured that God reigns supremely, and He will protect His people through the storms of life.
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