Fear or Faith

A new normal – that’s what I’ve heard repeatedly on the news for days. Terrorists, extremists, suicidals, and radicals are some of the new normal names. All are meant to strike terror into the hearts and minds of the average citizen and turn violence and bloodshed into the universal language.

The social media has overflowed with shock and disbelief. Countries with open borders are making plans to filter the terrorists from their homeland. Will it work? Time will determine the answer, but stopping an enemy who is void of any respect for life of self or others is a diabolical target.

I read an email quoting comments from Franklin Graham in the midst of the week’s chaos. It was a letter expressing little hope for our imploding planet. One statement summed it best: “Norman Rockwell’s painting of a cocker spaniel on the front porch has been replaced with a pit bull in the backyard.”

Some assure us that it’s not just strange, dangerous times but the end times. Certainly all signs point to that. So what do I do in the meantime?

First, I’m shouting from my platform that I refuse to let fear rule my life. I realize the conflict gets closer to my boundaries every day, but am I going to allow the world’s shock and awe to run me into a closed-off life or trust in God’s provision for His own?

Actually I feel like I’m in the most unique period of time, seeing daily the Bible’s prophecies fulfilled: “In the last days perilous times shall come” . . . “for nation shall rise against nation” . . . “there shall be famines, and pestilences and earthquakes” . . . “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” . . . “there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts” . . . “distress of nations, with perplexity.”

If we allow the news to saturate our minds, we become fearful and anxious and waste the time God has given us. Instead, we need to realize that even though no one knows the exact hour of Christ’s return, He expects His children to watch and be ready, filled with His assurance and heavenly outlook. Our lives and witness must also be dedicated to impacting those who have no “escape” plan.

On one of last week’s days when the news was most horrific, I turned my daily scripture verse calendar and read Revelation 22:13 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” A great calm came over my troubled spirit. It was the most powerful statement ever made by a conqueror. Everything that is began with God and will end with God. For me, His Word will continue to be my greatest comfort in these perilous times.

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

God of all Comfort, Keep our minds and hearts fixed on You and Your comforting Word. You are sovereign and in total control. Use me on these challenging days. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

• Camille Anding is a child of God since age 12.
• Wife of 53 years to Othel; mother to Tahya and Eli;l grandmother to seven grandchildren and two great-grands.
• Retired from photography business with Othel. Now carry cameras on their travel adventures.
• Freelance writer, regular contributor to Hometown magazines, and dedicated to living “my utmost for His highest.”