Q: How can Christians maintain a heavenly/eternal perspective when the world around them seems to be in constant turmoil?
A: That’s always the goal, right? To see all of life’s challenges and struggles in light of eternity which means there is no trial or difficulty or even loss that is final or fatal. Life is but a brief part of an eternal plan.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? - I Corinthians 15:15
Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy and his goal is to distract, discourage, and disarm every man, woman and child. The powerful truth of that wonderful hymn of old is as true today as it was when it was written:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, (not your circumstances, not the craziness of the world) and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.
Q: What are some practical ways believers can shift their focus from worldly problems to eternal truths?
A: Return to the basics found in these life-changing questions:
- Are you reading your Bible? The answer to every question you have can be found in God’s Word.
- Are you spending time in prayer daily? You can’t know Him if you never speak to Him; never ask Him your questions; never worship Him in private worship and devoted time with Him.
- Are you planted in God’s house? You can’t grow if you aren’t planted.
- Who are you serving? Serving others creates a shift of focus off of yourself and onto others. There is joy and a sense of purpose that serving others brings to your spirit.
- Are you giving? The Bible commands us to give – and you cannot walk in disobedience and find peace. Generosity brings a joy and peace you could never provide for yourself.
Q: What are some specific promises from Scripture that you turn to when facing difficult or uncertain times? What is the connection between God’s promises and finding peace in our hearts, even when the world feels unstable?
A: Almost every attack from the devil or trial life brings can be put into one of three categories: plague, war, or famine. Plagues can be any health concern (physical or mental); war refers to any fighting or quarreling (jealousy, marital issues, or any relational problems with family or friends); famine is when you lack basic needs (groceries, clothes, transportation, or housing).
The good news is God has promises for all three areas. No matter what you’re going through, you can be sure God cares about it and wants to answer your prayer. Like Jesus said in John 16:23, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.”
Here are some verses that may encourage you in each category of trials.
Plague: Exodus 15:26, Psalm 91, 1 Peter 2:24
War: Matthew 5:9, Philippians 4:6-7, Romans 12:18
Famine: Psalm 37:25, Matthew 6:19-33, Philippians 4:10-20
The connection between God’s promises and finding peace is found in Romans 10:17:
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
We need faith to believe that God is good, that He cares for us, and that He has a plan for us. Regardless of the instability found in the world, faith comes when we intentionally seek God’s Word!
Q: In what ways can we practically live out our faith and reflect the hope of Christmas to those around us this holiday season?
A: In every season – good or bad, high or low – those of us who have been saved to new life must reflect the hope we have through salvation in Jesus Christ. We need to wear this confidence on our countenance and express it in every interaction we have here on earth. As children of the Light and not darkness, we hold out hope, especially at Christmas, in every sphere of influence to those who don’t know Jesus. Our lives should point the lost to salvation by a real, caring, all-knowing God.
The hope of Christmas is simply this: Whereas Christ died for all so that no one need perish because of unbelief. “Hope” was born into this world and wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, fulfilling prophecy and activating God’s plan of salvation for every man, woman and child.
Q: As we approach the New Year, what can Christians do to cultivate a deeper sense of hope and joy, despite what is happening in the world? How can believers anchor themselves in the unchanging hope of Jesus, no matter what the future may bring?
A: I believe that there is no better anchor to start your New Year than with fasting and praying. At Free Chapel we begin every year with a 21 day fast which can be water or juices only or the Daniel fast, which is fruits and vegetables only. We do it the first of the year because it sets the tone for the rest of the year.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who feels hopeless or overwhelmed by the state of the world right now?
A: Overwhelm and anxiety are words you hear on a daily basis, both in the church and in the world. Here, living in the aftermath of an election and with so much religious persecution and division in the world it can feel like things are spinning out of control. This is why I love that the Lord provides a plan – a simple but profound alternative. He says this: Cast all your cares (anxieties) on Him. He wants to carry that load. God WILL carry that load if you will simply place it in His iHiHhihhihcapable hands.
It's also why He says over and over in Scripture, “fear not” or “be strong and courageous.” The battle belongs to the Lord. YOUR battles belong to the Lord. He never sends you out on your own. In fact, the very last words He spoke on this earth were these, “and behold I am with you always, even unto the end of the earth” (Matthew 28:20).
