A Life in Exile

“The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” Many of us know these profound and alarming words from Chicken Little that created havoc in the old folk tale. His misinterpretation of the head knock he received from an acorn led to a rushed call to action that drew a crowd and brought unintended consequences.

Is the sky falling today?

If you look at social media or hear the news, you might say yes to this question. Or, at least it feels like it some days. For those living in the Middle East, Ukraine, or Russia, they could definitely be on board. What does the fear of impending doom do to our psyche, our souls?

I’m currently reading a book written by one of the hostages of the October 7^th attacks. The horrors he experienced are beyond description, and yet, he made a decision early on to focus on one thing: survival. Though not a religious Jew, he found comfort in the Scripture and practices of his Jewish heritage. His words left me unsettled, as I thought about many like him, Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, who hold onto words without knowing the Author. They may survive in this life, but still without a sure hope for the next.

The end is near; be sure of eternity and live accordingly

I recently went to bed with my mind filled with the “falling sky” issues of the day. As I tried to sleep, a bad storm came through the area. I heard the strong winds, felt the rain pounding the windows, compared the cracks of lightning and thunder to the daily war planes and bombs in a distant land I used to call home. I felt the connection with this storm of nature to the man-made storm of war across the ocean, and with eyes refusing to close, turned to the One who is with us in the storm.

“Lord, what do these storms mean? How will they affect those I love? My life may be nearer to its end, but I leave behind others who are just beginning theirs. Will they know only storms? Will they have any peace in this world, any reprieve?”

The storm continued, as my words poured out to God. Then came the words, His words, from the Psalm I’ve grown to love. “The Lord is MY shepherd; I shall not want…” As the words forced me to recognize His efforts to quiet my soul, I also knew from the psalm that peaceful, sunshiny days are not a guarantee in this life. I thought back to my early married life and how many times we moved countries due to security issues, wars, and simple changes in plans. Those hard days strengthened my faith and taught me about God’s faithfulness and goodness. He was with me in every storm, even the one of losing my husband.

Eventually, as the storm abated, I fell asleep. Rest came, as did a new day. I woke remembering that His mercies are new EVERY morning. The storm turned into overcast skies and snow flurries, but it’s still a new day and contains His mercies anew. For those who wake up after a night of bombardment, God’s mercies are just as true. Breath, life, another day to hope for peace.

Unlike many of us, the early Christians lived with an expectation that Jesus would return at any moment. I have the feeling that many would be surprised He still has not returned. Still, we are encouraged to live with the same expectation. And in our days of “falling skies,” we feel the imminence of that return even more. So, how do we keep living? Peter had some words on that.

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:7-11 ESV, emphasis added)

Giving glory to God in all things

I’ve emphasized several phrases that are reminders that, as Christ-followers, though the world may say the sky is falling, we can continue to live a steady, purposeful life to the glory of God. Yes, the world will come to an end one day, and that day is closer than it was yesterday. Yes, things will get progressively more difficult and troublesome; more storms are sure to come. But, as believers, we don’t run around like Chicken Little or a real chicken with its head cut off, dragging others down in our predictions of doom and despair. Instead, we live the lives that reveal the peace and hope that are real only in Christ Jesus.

He keeps us self-controlled instead of being out of control in worry and fear. He keeps us sober-minded, aware that trouble may come, but also grateful for the peace that passes all understanding, because we take it all to Him in prayer. We keep loving our brothers and sisters in Christ and show hospitality, even if it’s to welcome others into our bomb shelter. We serve each other, using the gifts God gives us, even if that means picking up limbs in another’s yard or nursing the wounded in war. As we serve, we speak over others the Word God has given us to keep us focused on Him. In all things, we are supplied by the strength of God through His Spirit. For how can we press on in doing good in the dark and stormy days without Him?

What does all this show the world? That God is being faithfully glorified through His people until the day of Christ’s return. Yes, the end is coming, but the Church will continue to serve within the Body and to a lost and dying world. Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Christ has overcome the world!

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Wednesday Wisdom, click HERE, or check out these posts on the Christ’s return or end times: Rejoicing and Mourning, Coming Through the Trial, War, Gracious Uncertainty, and How Long, O Lord?