How can we strengthen our trust in God amidst "terrors" and "signs"? Opening the Passage “ ‘There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven.’ ” (Luke 21:11) Why This Matters Jesus forewarns that creation itself will shake. Those words may stir anxiety, yet they also light the path to deeper trust. How can we grow that trust when everything around us seems to scream “danger” and “uncertainty”? Seeing the Bigger Story • Jesus is not caught off guard—He predicts what will come. • God’s sovereignty blankets every quake, famine, and headline (Psalm 103:19). • The purpose of prophecy is not fear but faith (John 13:19). Practical Ways to Strengthen Trust 1. Bring every fear into God’s presence • “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) • Name the terror; hand it to Him in prayerful honesty (1 Peter 5:7). 2. Anchor your mind in unchanging truth • Meditate on promises: Isaiah 26:3; Hebrews 13:5–6. • Replace relentless news scrolling with intentional Scripture intake. 3. Remember past faithfulness • Keep a record of personal “Ebenezers” (1 Samuel 7:12). • Rehearse biblical testimonies—Joseph in famine (Genesis 41), Elijah in drought (1 Kings 17). 4. Rehearse the gospel daily • If God did not spare His own Son, will He fail you now? (Romans 8:32). • The cross proves love; the resurrection proves power. 5. Cultivate community • Encouragement is a divine antidote to fear (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Share Scripture, worship, and practical help when crises hit. 6. Choose obedience over speculation • Instead of obsessing over “when,” focus on “what now” (Luke 21:13). • Small acts of faith—serving, giving, witnessing—drive out dread. God’s Character: The Bedrock of Trust • He is sovereign (Isaiah 46:9–10). • He is good (Nahum 1:7). • He is near (Psalm 34:18). • He is unshakable (Hebrews 12:26–28). Living Today in Light of Tomorrow • Fix your eyes on the One who holds both the present storm and the future sunrise (Revelation 22:13). • Let every “terror” become a trumpet that calls you closer. Every “sign” becomes a reminder that redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28). |
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