Fallen World
We live in a fallen world.
Satan rebelled against God and now is prowling about seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
Humans—including you and me—rebelled against God. Our sins—past, present, and future—cause endless trouble for ourselves, others, and the world.
Through sin, death entered the world. (Romans 5:12)
Sin is rebellion against God, and earns the sinner death. (Romans 6:23)
But God
But God, because of His great love, gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
We, believers, rejoice that we are saved from the penalty of sin, are in the process of learning how to walk in newness of life (being saved from the power of death; sanctification), and, one day, will be saved from the presence of sin. Hallelujah.
But we still live in a fallen world where Satan is the ruler (John 12:31), and is working in the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2).
We are to expect trouble
We are to expect trouble.
And we have it.
Jesus tells us: In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
What to do
We are to believe and trust in Almighty God, which brings us peace.
We are to pray about our anxieties, which brings us peace. (Philippians 4:6-7)
We are to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
We have new opportunities to tell others the gospel. Be ready. (1 Peter 3:15)
We can show others the blessing of knowing the Lord.
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Father, in these trying times, please help us trust You for everything, moment by moment. Please help us speak and behave in ways that show others Your love and power. Please help us not be anxious, but pray about everything. And help us rejoice and give thanks.
