Scary World Events

As things continue to develop in the Middle East and as violence and threats of civil war blossom in countries like Libya we in the Western Word can be tempted to sit back in our easy chairs and believe that none of these things will come close to us.  Life will continue on as usual and we will not be touched.  But that is not true.  Our world is too interconnected for that.  Already we are being touched as the price of oil starts to climb and the price at the gas station has gone up.  But a blip (or even long term rise) in the price of oil is small potatoes compared to the jobs that may be lost because of that rise in oil or to the violence that may be exported to other parts of the world.  We are not living in an impervious bubble.  Even if we recognize these truths we usually feel helpless to do anything about what is happening and so we pretend that it does not matter.  But how is the Christian to respond to such things?  The first thing we need to do is to remember that it is the God of heaven and earth who is ultimately in charge of all things.  He makes kingdoms rise and and He makes kingdoms fall. The second thing to do is to trust in his love for us so that we might never be anxious or fearful.  The third thing to do is to remember that God has invited his children to partner with Him in his work on earth.  Are you partnering with the Lord through prayer and through whatever doors He might open for you to do so?

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."  (1 Timothy 2:1-4)