The two world wars of the early 20th century were so horrifyingly bloody and destructive that they led to worldwide efforts to find lasting peace, first through the League of Nations and then the United Nations. Yet in spite of these honorable intentions, the world has witnessed dozens of other major wars and smaller armed conflicts.
The world remains dangerous and unstable—and prophecy tells us it will grow increasingly worse. Jesus Christ predicted another major sign, one that often accompanies warfare: “And there will be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in diverse places…” (Matthew 24:7).
The social unrest and disruption of infrastructure that accompany war lead to food shortages and famine. The hungry, weakened victims of war are susceptible to illnesses and epidemics. War brings devastation and untold suffering, and not just to the combatants themselves.
Of course, not all famines and epidemics are strictly the result of war. Bad management and corrupt governments also contribute to our growing inability to feed ourselves. Natural disasters also destroy crops and bring famine, while disease often rapidly follows. The situation isn’t helped by our bad habits as humans: pollution, poor diets, overcrowded cities – the list goes on.
Since we cannot avoid all suffering, we must keep in mind that it can and often does produce good results. It’s easier to endure suffering and pain when we view them as challenges rather than unbearable curses.
As Martin Luther King once said: “Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
The western world has lately entered the post-Christian era, one in which Christianity is no longer defines cultural values. This mindset rejects the traditional Biblical view that hardship and pain – though unpleasant and undesired – can work to ultimate good.
The Bible plainly teaches that adversity can produce beneficial results. Even though Christ was the Son of God, He too “learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:8-9).
Even secular history provides many examples of individuals and nations that, under conditions of duress, overcame difficult circumstances to achieve greatness. What would Eamon de Valera say about us today? He looked to God for the hope to see him through his toughest times.
Although we cannot feel Him sometimes, we can still see His face because of the hope that we have in Him. He might not be saying anything to me, but I still know that He is there. It is God that keeps us, not ourselves. We can praise him just for keeping us. He made us and he knows all about us.
This is the faith that led to Ireland being the mother of mission work all over the world, the giver to nations, the scholar among scholars and the epitome of a Christian nation.
True salvation implants an inextinguishable hope within us. Prophecy is probably the most encouraging and affirming study we can do with God’s Word.
Prophecy has inspired believers since the earliest days of Christ’s church. It is the hope we have of Christ’s return that has inspired believers to face troubles, afflictions, and wearying persecutions.
Today, as we read the darkest hours of mankind’s earthly journey, note how Jesus weaves into this dark fabric, the rays of hope.
Those who have experienced the most have suffered so much that they have ceased to hate. Hate is more for those with a guilty conscience; those who by chewing on old hate in times of peace wish to demonstrate how great they were during the times of war.
Ireland, you are coming out strong. It is not over until it’s over.
Pastor Thywill Bankole
RCCG Assembly of Praise
Swords, Co Dublin
Tel: 01 841 1992
