“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.” – Mark 13:8
At the writing of this article, I have never given birth, so I don’t know what it feels like. But, seemingly out of nowhere, the world has been hit with a crippling contraction, leading many to believe that this is it. We’ve reached the end.
But I believe this is one of those birth pains that feels so severe, you rush to the hospital, only to be told by the doctor it’s a false alarm and you should go back home. I’m only 37 years old, but I’ve never experienced anything like what is happening right now.
The only other event I could remember that brought the world to its knees was 9/11. But that occurred before the emergence of social media, and it was a vastly different circumstance. What we’re seeing with the new coronavirus is not like anything this generation has witnessed.
I can tell you one thing with certainty. The prophecies in the Bible are coming to pass, whether you choose to believe that or not. I’m not an expert on the end times (I recommend listening to Evangelist Tiff Shuttlesworth for that). But I know enough to recognize that the earth is groaning. Jesus is standing at the doorway of heaven, waiting for his cue.
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” – Romans 10:9-11
For so many of us, our lives have seemingly come to a halt. Things we’ve taken for granted have been restricted and taken away. Every morning, we wonder what news we’re going to wake up to. Every night we go to sleep lacking in peace, our minds filled with uncertainty. We wonder where that next roll of toilet paper is coming from.
But I want to encourage you today. Specifically by reminding you that the Word of God is true. It is our strong foundation. It never returns void. There is not one promise in there that we can’t take to the bank. Christians all around the world have been uniting together, and it warms my heart to see.
“For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Fear is a spirit. A demonic spirit. “Why does everything have to be spiritual?” Well because it is. We’re fighting an invisible war. And what’s happening right now is a sober reminder of that. Why is there so much fear and panic right now?
Because anyone who doesn’t know Jesus does not have their feet set on a rock. Their confidence is in things that don’t last, whether it be their money, their health, or their resources. They have a fear of death. They don’t know what comes after this life, and being faced with that makes their hearts afraid.
“Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.” – Hebrews 2:14-15
The devil knows what’s going on. He understands his ultimate demise, and that day is coming soon. In the meantime, he wants to cause as much turmoil as he possibly can. He wants people to faint with fear, and he wants the church to be hindered. So far he’s two for two.
But I feel very strongly that what we’re seeing now cannot last. Why? Because we are being restricted from carrying out our duty as the body of Christ, and it’s not due to persecution. Churches are forced to do online services (which don’t reach everyone). Baptismal services have been cancelled. We’re being told to stay far apart from each other. No one is getting hands laid on them in prayer. Evangelists can’t hold meetings. The ability for the gospel to be preached is being severely hampered.
I’m not one of those Christians content to “ride this wave out”, and wait to see what happens. Yes, the church is not a physical building. But this goes way beyond out inability to actually meet together in person. The Great Commission doesn’t go on hiatus, or get suspended, or postponed.
Think about everything that Jesus did in his ministry. He spoke to large crowds. He healed the sick. He cast out demons. He sat with people, ate with them, ministered to them. We can’t do any of that right now. And I refuse to sit around and wait for the governments next move.
I truly believe that this birth pain we’re experiencing will be short-lived. “But the news says it could go into the summer.” I don’t really care what the news says. I believe there are enough faith-filled people praying for God to intervene. There are too many people dying. There are too many people experiencing financial chaos. People are isolated, lonely and afraid.
The church can’t spend their time posting nice verses on Instagram and having online services. That helps, don’t get me wrong. But we have to call down power from heaven to bring this crisis to a quick and swift end. If the church is unable to operate as the church, that’s a problem to me.
What happened when God was going to destroy Sodom? Abraham interceded on their behalf and God withheld His punishment until Lot’s family had left. The early church prayed on behalf of Peter, and an angel broke him out of prison. Hezekiah and Moses prayed on behalf of their people and God rescued them. Elisha prayed for God to blind the enemy army, and he was able to escape.
There is no reason to believe that God’s supernatural power can’t defeat this. But I believe that the church is sitting back and waiting, because this is all part of the end times events. It is, but where in the Bible do we read the church was immobilized, hindered and unable to do the work of the Kingdom for something other than persecution? And even in the face of persecution, the church still carried on with their mission and mandate.
We’re in unique times. We’re seeing a glimpse of what is in store for this world. Now isn’t the time to watch movies and play board games. It’s time to pray, and beseech the God of heaven. It’s time to stand on the promises of God. Don’t let anyone tell you that God’s word can’t help you.
The world may be shaken, but the righteous will never be shaken. Fear is not from God. Sickness is not from God. We can overcome both of those things. If someone tells you that the Bible isn’t your source of strength, you’re listening to the wrong people.
Turn off the news, and listen to worship music. Listen to faith-filled ministers like Jonathan Shuttlesworth. Log off of social media.
Read the words of the Lord, keep them close to your heart, remember them every moment of every day.
“Surely the righteous will never be shaken; They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear.” – Psalm 112:6-8
“If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no plague will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” – Psalm 91:9-11
We’re being reminded that this life isn’t going to last forever. But eternity will. Now is the time to get right with God. Recognize the fragility of life. Jesus loves you. He wants to give you the peace and hope and security that the world is void of. If you haven’t acknowledged Jesus as Lord and savior of your life, and turned to follow him, now is a better time than ever. You can pray this prayer:
“Jesus, I thank you for dying to save me. I want to repent of my sins. I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that you are Lord, and acknowledge my need to be saved. I choose to follow you for the rest of my days. The old life is gone, a new life has come. In Jesus name, Amen.”
And if you’re feeling afraid, pray this prayer:
“God I thank you that have not given me a spirit of fear, but you have given me your holy spirit, which is a spirit of love and power, and in love there is no fear. I know that nothing is impossible for you. I know that You don’t give to us as the world gives. You have given us peace and joy, and I praise for you it. May the words of my mouth be pleasing to you. Thank you that because I seek refuge in you, no harm can come near me. Thank you that I am found in the shadow of Your wings. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.”
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” – 1 John 5:4
