As we begin another year, I am reminded of the high hopes we had for this last one. The year before had been tough and though the future looked bleak, we hoped we would get a break. Instead, on the national and international stage, things have gone from bad to worse!
The pandemic went from masks to vaccinations and then to government mandates. Even with all that, people continued dying with and without the vaccinations. The frontliners we once praised were fired when they didn’t want the vaccine. As government handouts ended and our economy began to rebound, inflation and supply chain issues made things worse. The travel industry began to recover, but then another variant hit. Even as the latest wave swept around the globe, our government seemed unprepared and faltering.
Violence and an unprecedented rise in crime is sweeping across our country, but fear of condemnation is preventing local officials from responding. Prejudice is being taught in our schools to correct social injustice, but it’s just changing the color of the oppressed. Our border security collapsed and anyone who really wants to can enter. Authorities can’t handle the numbers, so they are transported to cities across the US, spreading the burden and disease.
While our government struggles with domestic problems, China is preparing to invade Taiwan and Russia is threatening Ukraine. Our abrupt retreat from Afghanistan equipped the Taliban, emboldened our enemies, and created doubt amongst our allies. China filled the vacuum we left in Afghanistan and will help themselves to the rare earth materials found there.
So, when will this end? The government can’t do it. With all these urgent problems, politicians continue pressing their own agendas. The private sector can’t do it, because they are being treated as a problem, rather than a solution. Even if elections change who is in control, it may be too late to turn things around. The answer is, “Normal isn’t coming back, JESUS is!”
So, you have given up? No, I have surrendered! You sound like there is no hope? JESUS is our only hope. No matter what happens in this world, we need JESUS more as we see the end of this world approaching. So, you won’t vote and aren’t praying for things to get better? I will vote and will try to get people to do right, but that’s not where my hope is. This world is as it was prophesied “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness” (Isa 5:20 KJV) and “the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Tim 4:3-4 KJV). Isn’t that what we are seeing? Repent, not to save the world, but to save yourself! This world is coming to an end, but you will exist somewhere forever!
Your story won’t end, but you will go from this world to eternal life or to eternal damnation! You have the choice to live happily ever after because “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). Accept JESUS and be saved, before it’s too late!
Wayne Lance (2021) – That’s Good News to Share!