TRIBULATION CENTER

"The Scream" by Edvard Munch, 1893

Life sucks. Even my Pastor says so.

As a senior, I find myself staring at sickness more often. It's worse for those with cancer and other deadly diseases.

Treat people kindly; some fire back with venom.

We expect our new leader to inspire — or at least be a role model; but what do we get? A buffet of curses every suppertime. Makes you wonder if the art of cursing, war-mongering and bullying should instead be taught in school in lieu of good manners and right conduct.

When you read about kids being abused or used by adults for their own ends, you drown in a sea of sadness, anger and guilt — because you could not do much about it.

Jesus himself warned that life will never be a bed of roses. Earth is tribulation center! We're all in a problematic place. God has never hidden this truth from us:

Romans 5:12 "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned…"

2 Cor. 4:4 "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

That's why Jesus came — that in spite of our disappointments and struggles, and in spite of Satan continuously harassing us, our lives can be productive and purpose-driven.  

John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

If He has overcome, so can we. If Jesus is our Lord and Savior, He will teach us to:

·   Continue doing good

Plant goodness and your barn will be stacked with everything good. That's His promise! Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

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     Pray without ceasing, and in all circumstances

Especially for our loved ones — even our enemies. Pray for your boss, for our president and other government leaders. God has given every believer the authority to pray, in Jesus' name, to bring down strongholds and demonic powers, especially in government and those who enslave others through any form of evil.  

Jesus changes lives. He even changes hearts — no matter how deep they are in the pit of addiction, either to substances, lust, power or money.

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     Help those in need

"The poor you will always have with you," Jesus says, Matthew 26:11. We can't do anything for poor people in Timbuktu, can't we?— unless of course you're Warren Buffet or Henry Sy — but you can give to those who ask for help, or donate to  organizations which organize help for those who lack or need aid because of disasters. 

Operation Blessing, World Vision, and Metro World Child are trustworthy NGOs which channel your kindness to children and communities.

·   Experience His peace which passes all understanding

Peace is elusive apart from Him who saves us from eternal death and gives us abundant life. Isaiah 9:6a prophesied of Jesus:  "… He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." No wonder I can sleep soundly at night despite everyday concerns.

This verse also promised, "… the government will be on his shoulders." 

No matter how perplexed we are about what's happening around us, take heart, Jesus has our back.