Certainty in the Midst of Uncertainty
by Gilly Mathiesen
The news is full of coverage on wars and rumours of wars, refugee crises in different countries, human trafficking, crimes burgeoning, and the list continues. The Bible tells us that these things will happen in the end times, with the love of most people growing cold as lawlessness increases (Matthew 24:12).
The Bible says, ‘Why are the nations in an uproar (in turmoil against God) And why do the people devise a vain and hopeless plot?’ (Psalm 2:1, AMP). And this is what we are seeing in increasing measure, nations in uproar.
During the American elections, it seemed as if the whole world waited with bated breath to see what would happen, knowing the outcome was going to have an impact globally. But no matter who heads up a nation, no man or woman can bring the peace that only the Lord can give. It’s reassuring to know that the Lord is greater than every world leader and He rules over the nations.
Some people may ask why the Lord would allow evil dictators or despots to rise to power, if He truly is ruler of the nations. The interesting thing to note is that, from the time of Christ until now, the Gospel flourishes and grows rapidly in the face of adversity. The underground church in China is a good example of this. God does not override the will of a person or people, but He does ensure that His kingdom advances and His purposes prevail, in spite of who sits in government in a nation.
The Bible says, ‘The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it’ (Psalm 24:1, NIV). And we can rest assured that the Lord is at work behind the scenes bringing about His purposes and plans, despite the turmoil in the nations.
Jesus explains in relation to the end times in that ‘people will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world’ (Luke 21:26, NIV), but He assured the disciples and is assuring us ‘I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, Amp).
No matter what the newspapers or news reports say, the Lord is very much on His throne and we can find a certainty and peace in Him in the middle of uncertainty. Because of His unfailing love, we will not be shaken (Psalm 22:7).
Gilly Mathiesen Gilly has a heart to see broken lives healed. She got involved in Christian ministry at a young age, working as a missionary for some years, as well as teaching at a Christian school. She has been involved with Ellel Ministries for the past 10 years and trained and worked on the team in Northern Ireland before moving to Denmark in 2016. She and her husband Steen have been pioneering an Ellel work there since early 2018. They long to see people healed and set free to be all that God has designed them to be.
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