Ever Faithful

When Christ was born in Bethlehem, the angels appeared to some shepherds nearby and said, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2:14 NLT). Jesus came to bring peace on earth.

The Antichrist, however, will come to take peace from the earth. And here’s what we need to know: Satan is behind all the wars and struggles on this planet.

We’re understandably perplexed when we hear about barbaric acts of war and terrorism. The network pundits try to explain it. But the reason people do these horrible things is because there is a devil. And the devil loves violence and war. He loves carnage and death.

We’ve had some massive wars in our world’s history. There was World War I, which was called the war to end all wars. But it took only twenty years for another conflict to develop, and World War II was far worse, with even more casualties. And the worst wars are yet to come.

Concerning the end of the age, Jesus said, “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come” (Matthew 24:6–8 NLT).

Here’s the bottom line: God always has the last word. Sometimes things look bleak, and we have setback after setback. We say, “I thought God’s Word would prevail.” It will in time. God will have the last word.

God is faithful and true. He will keep every promise He has made to you. Sometimes we’re in despair. Sometimes we’re frightened. And maybe you’re afraid right now.

Here are the words of Jesus to you: “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 NLT). He also said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5 NLT).

Maybe you’re afraid of death. Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave” (Revelation 1:17–18 NLT).

He was saying, “Don’t be afraid. I’ve been there. I have come back. It is covered.”

Jesus said to the disciples, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:1–3 NLT).

Our God is faithful.

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