To be sure, there is a great deal that is changing about our immediate world. A Christian will come out better than before, though. I'm immediately thinking of the biblical words
"confidence" and "patience."
"Confidence" is based upon trust and reliance, and a Christian's "confidence" in God is dependent upon Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 3:4; Ephesians 3:11-13). The Bible rightly says, "It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man" (Psalm 118:8). It's not wrong to have confidence in some people, however, as Paul said, "And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you" (2 Corinthians 8:22). Our world can easily be shaken when we put total confidence in all people to do all things "rightly" according to God's instructions.
"Patience" is the quality of steadfastness or perseverance, and, according to Jesus, is our response to whatever situations that could jeopardize our souls. He said, "By your patience possess your souls" (Luke 21:19). This the commendable attitude of the prophets of the Old Testament (James 5:10). It is the product of outside pressure placed upon one's faith (James 1:2-4). In fact, Paul showed the "ladder" of development in a Christian's character: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:1-4).
Truly, these times are disconcerting, but a Christian has a hope that is the "anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast" (Hebrews 6:19) to cling to throughout turbulence. Consider this "shakedown" that is going on as a trial of faith, and Christians will remain "steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that you labor is not in vain in the Lord" (I Corinthians 15:58).
I hope these thoughts may be an opening for further exploration of what proves to be a solid manner of facing our future. - April 19, 2020
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