Uncertainty Ahead: What Anchors You?

Toward the end of 2012, I wrote a post about the uncertainties the lie the head in 2013. Those uncertainties included the global economy, instability in the Middle East, and high unemployment.  Little did I know what other uncertainties lie ahead for me—chief of which was a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer along with its attendant ensuing activities, each with its own degree of uncertainty!

Is life less uncertain today than it was 16 months ago? Perhaps for me, but not for the global economy, Middle East, or the unemployed. One thing is certain though: continued uncertainty (John 16:33). Consequently, earthlings look for concrete, material things to make them feel secure, while the believer is anchored by an immaterial, but rock-solid faith and confident expectation that God purposes to make all things good for those who love and trust Him (Rom. 8:28). "Faith is the confidence of a sure and steadfast hope which anchors our soul; faith is the certainty of things we cannot see" (Heb. 11:1; 6:19, edited).

Satan’s Finest Hour

With the advent of the Republican National Convention this week, Romney is the man of the hour.  Remember when Jesus said, “My hour is not yet come” (John 2:4)? His death on the cross was his “finest hour.”  Satan is waiting for his hour. With Europe’s debt, upheaval across the Middle East, Iran’s aggression toward Israel, global terrorism, and a myriad of other evils, the world is ripe for a leader who will fend off economic collapse, and bring about peace.

A vast majority of the world, especially in the West, are still hopeful that things will turn around. One wonders how educated and sophisticated Americans can be so gullible to believe any person can accomplish the task of making things right again. This naiveté will set the stage for a person who will lead and unite the world.

This person will rise to power with a brilliant 7-year plan for world peace, prosperity and safety (Rev. 13). His charisma, accompanied by miracles, will be so persuasive even post-rapture believers will be deceived (Matt. 24:24).  He will be worshipped as the Messiah.  It will be Satan’s finest hour.

Late Night Cramming for the Test of Faith?

Most Christians in the US have so far escaped the poverty and deprivation that is familiar to our brothers and sister in third world countries. But if the world economy continues its current downslide, it is quite possible we here will be faced with an unprecedented global depression; no one will escape. How will Christians react when capitalism falters and entitlements cease?

Truly no one knows what will happen when major institutions declare bankruptcy, and the government can no longer bail them out. What will happen if our government cannot stand behind our federally-insured savings accounts? What will happen when several large countries declare bankruptcy at once?

A great test of faith may be coming soon. Will our faith in God’s provision be greater than our trust in government? Do we yet have enough faith to sustain us or will we come up short? None of us knows the limits of our faith in God unless, and until, it is put to its ultimate test. If we are to pass that test, we should take advantage of opportunities to learn faith now.  There can be no late-night cramming for this one. “Study to show yourself approved unto God…” (2 Tim. 2:15).

The Whole Economy could Collapse in One Hour

The Chinese are selling weapons to North Korea, and Russia to Iran and Syria. But that seems like small potatoes compared to the problems “across the pond.” Yes, Europe’s uncertain politics, weak economy, and unsustainable debt are front-page news again this morning—aggravating the stock market, a 100 point loss yesterday. “A crisis of apocalyptic proportions” is the way Poland’s foreign minister recently described the debt crisis in Europe. The Polish diplomat may be more precise than he realizes.

The whole world seems to be moving inevitably toward the apocalyptic “hour” described in Revelation, when the world’s entire economic system crashes: “for in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste, and the fruit you long for has gone from you, and all things that were luxurious and splendid have passed away from you and men will no longer find them” (Rev. 18:14, 17).

Because of regional (the EU) and international interdependence, a global marketplace, and digital interconnectivity, for the first time in world history, a “one hour” crash is possible. When the EU collapses, it will be like an economic sink hole that will pull every industrialized nation into it—and all within the course of “one hour.”

Chicken of the Sea

The phrase “Chicken of the Sea” took on new meaning when the media seized on the phrase to describe the cowardly captain of a cruise ship that crashed off the coast of Italy last  week.  Apparently ignoring the law of the sea that he must “go down with the ship," saving "women and children first," the supposedly spineless sailor slipped into a lifeboat and abandoned his vessel; thus earning his new moniker: "chicken of the sea!" 

Unfortunately, the sad scenario of a scared skipper brings to mind the question people are asking during this election year: “Where is the captain we can trust to lead us out of recession and into prosperity?  Where is the commander in chief who has the wisdom to protect us from rogue nations and terrorists?"  

Did you know the title "captain" is used twice to describe our LORD: “captain of our salvation” (Heb. 2:10) and “captain of our faith” (Heb. 12:2).  The word "captain" connotes strength and confidence, evoking feelings of comfort and security.  For example, an honorable Navy captain will engender trust from his sailors who are assured he cares enough to die with them, even for them.  We have such a Captain, One who anchors our souls (Heb. 6:19).  In the midst of a storm, He calms the seas and quiets the winds.  And we have a Captain we can believe when He promises “I will never leave or abandon you” (Heb. 13:5).

A House Divided

Though Jesus wasn’t speaking of America, Iraq or Afghanistan when he said “if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand; and if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mar 3:24-25), it is certainly relevant.

Here in the States, our Congress is so divided and polarized it is nearly dysfunctional. You may well argue it has been this way before, but I don’t believe ‘we’ have ever been here before—the unique combination of events—dealing with a ‘global’ recession, fighting two wars, and combating terrorism. To solve these problems, our country needs unity more than any time since the Civil War, when, Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech.

Our great nation-building experiment in Iraq, a country long divided by ethnic and religious differences, is yet on trial, but will only succeed if the formerly fractured factions can work together. Likewise, our whole strategy in Afghanistan is dependent on ending three thousand years of tribal loyalties!!

But the “house divided” principle also applies to the Church, which is why Paul says “always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace” (Eph. 4:3). What is more, the “house divided” principle is also very personal. Paul describes a ‘great divide’ going on inside of each of us—the battle of flesh versus spirit (Gal. 5:17). But Paul assures us that as long as we walk in unity with the Spirit (Gal. 5:25), our ‘house’ will stand. This single mindedness is essential if you are to overcome in these troubled times. Beware: Satan, the great divider, is at work in the world, the Church, and your heart.