World at War

Read: Luke 21:9-19 Caden was lying on his bed with his head propped on his hands and a worried look on his face when his mom stopped at his door. “How was school, Caden?” she asked. “Did something happen?” “Not really.” Caden hesitated. “We did have a discussion in social studies, though. One of the kids started talking about nuclear war and how the whole world is going to blow up and end soon. And it sounded like Mr. Morgan agreed with him.” “He said that?” Mom asked. “No. But it kinda seemed like he thought so. He said if everyone just stopped making nuclear weapons, the world would be at peace and no one would fight.” “That sounds nice, but I’m afraid it’s not going to happen,” said Mom. “There were many, many wars long before we had nuclear weapons. People and nations want to be powerful and will often do anything to gain that power. It’s unrealistic to think they’ll all suddenly decide to stop fighting.” “I guess so,” Caden said. “But thinking about it makes me feel scared. We talk about war at school, and it’s always on the news. It seems like we never stop hearing about scary things.” He paused. “Aren’t you afraid, Mom?” Mom sighed. “This world is a messed-up place because of sin, Caden, and people do terrible things. But when I hear scary stories about violence in the world, I thank God that my future is in His hands. He’s in control of this world, and nothing happens unless He allows it to happen. We also know He loves and cares for us as His children. When we feel afraid because of what’s going on in the world, we need to remember that Jesus, God’s Son, died and rose again to rescue us from sin and evil. No matter what happens, He will always be with us.” “I know,” Caden said. “I just wish things were different.” “Me too,” said Mom. “But remember that things won’t be like this forever. One day, when Jesus returns, He will get rid of sin, evil, and death in this world once and for all. Until then, we can have peace knowing He’s in control and is always with us.” –Lenora McWhorten How about you? Are you afraid when you hear stories about war? Perhaps you’ve experienced terrible things like that firsthand. This world is a scary place, but if you trust Jesus as your Savior, you don’t have to be full of fear. Your future is in His hands. Trust Him to be with you through all the scary things you face in this world, and look forward to the day when He’ll end war and violence forever. Today’s key verse: Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me [Jesus]. John 14:1 (NLT) Today’s key thought: Don’t be afraid—trust Jesus