The Blessings of Instability
Many seem to be sensing a growing instability in this world. The economy seems shaky, inflation is clearly on the rise. Protests have swept across the world. There are ugly trends on the left and the far right. Russia has attacked the Ukraine. China also seems to be interested in expanding their empire. In some ways, many of the nations look like bad guys right now: abandoning God's ways, filled with pride, flexing their muscles, racking up their weapons, and uttering threats. In the past week, some threats have even gone nuclear. There is uncertainty about whether the leaders who have the nuclear buttons and codes are of sound mind. At this moment, it seems that the world may be close to World War III. Others think it is all smoke and mirrors, and nothing to bother about. What are we to do?
The answer is simple: pray and work.
The answer is simple: pray and work.
But especially pray for spiritual growth. A Christian can truly say that the worst of times are the best of times. We should not be surprised that God calls us to live through tests, including "the valley of the shadow of death." (Psalm 23:4) The apostle Peter told believers: "...do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12–13) James reminded believers that we are called to “...count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2–3) That includes learning and growing in the midst of a pandemic, through relational strains, and even the literal or imagined threat of World War III. God is sovereign, so this instability is exactly what we need!
There will be opportunities to grow spiritually in such times:
First, times like this can be an excellent reminder to prepare to meet your God. Be reminded that “...the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Times like this are the best of times for evangelism, to evangelize our own heart and fix our minds on Christ, but also to bring the gospel to others. When facing danger, good news brings joy. The Lord said, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Psalm 50:15) You might be surprised how the topic of wars and instability can help to open doors and ears.
Second, think about these times as times of chastening and pruning. Stressful times may be times where we are pruned of fleshly habits, and where we put on fruit of the spirit in place. “...every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:2)When a tree is pruned, more fruit will grow! This may be a challenging time, but consider that it may be revealing the need for change in your heart, thoughts, or life. “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.” (Hebrews 12:11–13). Take some time to think about what needs to change, and pray for help. Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict and guide you through this process! “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13)
Fourth, times like this can serve to spur on the reconciliation of earthly relationships. Pandemic restrictions and the confusion of varying responses has put a strain on many relationships, and even led to deeply painful divisions. Why not call up a friend or family member, or message them? Perhaps say, "With all of the rumors of war going on, I was thinking that life is too short to be your enemy. I am sorry for how I handled things, and I want you to know that I still love you even though we disagree." Surely we can all admit that we did not handle every conversation perfectly over the past two years, even if we are convinced we were right? Surely this is an opportunity to break the ice? Do you want to face God without having made efforts to reconcile here on earth? "When you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23–24) It is worth a try, but also remember that if others refuse to be reconciled and stubbornly cling to finger-pointing, that is on them. We cannot change the minds of others, much less their hearts.
Fifth, without getting carried away, it is not wrong to prepare for instability practically. Some may indeed live in circumstances or stages of life where there is little benefit in practical preparations, and simply prayerfully face what trials may come. This is not wrong. Others may want to examine whether they have put too much faith in Walmart, or in presuming that the future will be exactly as the past was. This may be an appropriate opportunity to think about stewardship of our bodies and possessions. (Prov. 21:20) There is no sin in preparation for possible war, hydro outages, inflation, or interest rates. It is not wrong to use times like this to eliminate debt, get in better physical shape, grow a garden, rethink your budget, consider a move to a cheaper home, or even educate yourself on disaster preparation. It may be wise to keep some supplies on hand, especially when it is with a view towards sharing or caring for loved ones. (Prov. 6:6-8) Lean times or hard times ahead may give greater opportunities to show love and compassion; if you are in position to give rather than to beg. God created us in his image to be problem solvers and producers. We may bring glory to Him by working diligently and wisely to be prepared for challenges. As long as preparations do not become false saviors or an obsession, they may be reasonable. Still, I would caution against being overly affected by doomsday predictions. Be reasonable.
First, times like this can be an excellent reminder to prepare to meet your God. Be reminded that “...the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Times like this are the best of times for evangelism, to evangelize our own heart and fix our minds on Christ, but also to bring the gospel to others. When facing danger, good news brings joy. The Lord said, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Psalm 50:15) You might be surprised how the topic of wars and instability can help to open doors and ears.
Second, think about these times as times of chastening and pruning. Stressful times may be times where we are pruned of fleshly habits, and where we put on fruit of the spirit in place. “...every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:2)When a tree is pruned, more fruit will grow! This may be a challenging time, but consider that it may be revealing the need for change in your heart, thoughts, or life. “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.” (Hebrews 12:11–13). Take some time to think about what needs to change, and pray for help. Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict and guide you through this process! “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13)
Third, use this time to tune up your devotional life. These are good times to revive prayer life, dig into God's Word, and reboot family worship. As we see this world go off-the-rails, may it stir up spiritual hunger in all of us!What if every prayer were spoken as though on our deathbed? What if every sermon were preached as though it were our last? What if we woke up with the realization that this might be our last chance to read our Bibles? “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You, In a dry and thirsty land, Where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1) There is a time to step back from the stresses of the news cycle, and to fill our minds with the Word. There is also the reality that tensions can feed into prayers and profitable conversations with spouses, children, or friends which fix us more and more on loving the Lord and His Word.
Fourth, times like this can serve to spur on the reconciliation of earthly relationships. Pandemic restrictions and the confusion of varying responses has put a strain on many relationships, and even led to deeply painful divisions. Why not call up a friend or family member, or message them? Perhaps say, "With all of the rumors of war going on, I was thinking that life is too short to be your enemy. I am sorry for how I handled things, and I want you to know that I still love you even though we disagree." Surely we can all admit that we did not handle every conversation perfectly over the past two years, even if we are convinced we were right? Surely this is an opportunity to break the ice? Do you want to face God without having made efforts to reconcile here on earth? "When you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23–24) It is worth a try, but also remember that if others refuse to be reconciled and stubbornly cling to finger-pointing, that is on them. We cannot change the minds of others, much less their hearts.
Fifth, without getting carried away, it is not wrong to prepare for instability practically. Some may indeed live in circumstances or stages of life where there is little benefit in practical preparations, and simply prayerfully face what trials may come. This is not wrong. Others may want to examine whether they have put too much faith in Walmart, or in presuming that the future will be exactly as the past was. This may be an appropriate opportunity to think about stewardship of our bodies and possessions. (Prov. 21:20) There is no sin in preparation for possible war, hydro outages, inflation, or interest rates. It is not wrong to use times like this to eliminate debt, get in better physical shape, grow a garden, rethink your budget, consider a move to a cheaper home, or even educate yourself on disaster preparation. It may be wise to keep some supplies on hand, especially when it is with a view towards sharing or caring for loved ones. (Prov. 6:6-8) Lean times or hard times ahead may give greater opportunities to show love and compassion; if you are in position to give rather than to beg. God created us in his image to be problem solvers and producers. We may bring glory to Him by working diligently and wisely to be prepared for challenges. As long as preparations do not become false saviors or an obsession, they may be reasonable. Still, I would caution against being overly affected by doomsday predictions. Be reasonable.
Though practical preparation may be reasonable for some, spiritual preparation and reconciliation should always be the priority for all Christians. Especially in these times. Prepare to meet your God! Confess your sin, and cry out to the Lord for mercy. Seek to walk in His ways. In Him, there is no reason for fear or desperation!
“We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” - 2 Corinthians 6:1–2
Artwork: "Apocalypse" by Albrecht Dürer. (1471-1578)