How are you managing through this pandemic?

Matthew 24:6-13 NIV
" You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."

These were the things Jesus prepared His disciples for. They were to expect these events to occur and they were not to be troubled or concerned about them. 

The Last Days began when Jesus ascended back to heaven after His death and resurrection. This speaks to a period and time on the earth. Many of us have heard of earthquakes and famines for as long as we could remember hearing of them. There have been wars, religious wars, of all kind over the many years. The Bible tells us that these events are just the dress rehearsal for the end.

We have all been taken by surprise by this Covid-19 Pandemic and now the Delta strain. Pestilences were to be expected in the Last Days as well. "There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven" (Luke 21:11). The Bible tells us that these things will come to pass before the end comes (vs. 9). We can expect these things to become more intense, and happening more frequently. These things are a part of prophecy and will eventually lead into the end.

"But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man" (vs. 34-36). We are told to pay attention to how we are living during these difficult and dangerous (perilous) times. 

The one thing that we can always count on with God is that He never sugar coats things and He tells us what to expect. He prepares us for life here and all the things that will happen. He not only forewarns us, He lays it out plain and clear how we are to maintain our Christian walk and faith as we wait for His return. Some of us may live to see the 'Rapture', though not a word mentioned in scripture, but the Bible speaks of the catching away, being caught up to meet Him in the air. While some of us may live to experience that, many may pass into the presence of the Lord awaiting resurrection, which will occur first then those who remain on the earth will be caught up (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

So, with those facts in mind, how are you managing in the midst of this Pandemic? It has been a scary time to say the least. So many people died and never got the chance to say good bye to their loved ones. They had so many plans and expectations for the year 2020, only to get Covid-19 and perish. There were also those who survived the deadly virus and lived to tell about it. God called some of His people home via this same Virus. So many things happened that made many wonder what was next. 

For those of us who know the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are to hold fast and keep our eyes on the Lord even more. We are to be strong in the faith and trust His Word to us. We are to be prayerful and watchful as we go about our daily tasks. We are to be Salt and Light. Salt not only helps to preserve, it creates a thirst. May we have that affect on all those around us. 

And if you should find yourself worried, or fearful, remember this:
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