How You Can Live Unafraid of the End of the World with Faith and Hope
“The end of the world is coming!”
Throughout history, there have been many times various “experts” have predicted the date and time of some apocalyptic event that would cause the end of the world. There have even been times when people have rallied around these predictions and gathered together to await the appointed moment.
However…
The world still turns and revolves around the sun—seasons change and time goes on.
So, what should a believer’s attitude be about “the day of the Lord’s return?”
Should we doubt? Live in fear? Ignore? Or something else?
Paul didn’t put chapter breaks in his letters. So today, we’ll continue the message “directly from the Lord” about the Lord’s return.
Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.
1 Thessalonians 5:1–2
The Lord Jesus will return suddenly and unexpectedly . . . be ready! Always!
That’s unsettling for those who don’t know and love Him.
When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.
1 Thessalonians 5:3
But for those of us who do know and love Him…
But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:8–11
I love that Paul told the people in Thessalonica and all of us that we should always be encouraged with hope. God chose to save people through His Son.
Peter wrote:
Do not forget this one thing, dear friends: To the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day. The Lord is not slow in doing what he promised—the way some people understand slowness. But God is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to be lost, but he wants all people to change their hearts and lives.
2 Peter 3:8–9 (NCV)
So, live with hope and share His love.
A Prayer to Live Unafraid of the End of the World
Father, I believe. Please help me overcome my unbelief. (Mark 9:24) The enemy of our souls wants to keep me anxious and afraid. He wants me to doubt You. Please forgive me for allowing those who wring their hands with doom and gloom end of the world predictions to tempt me to live in fear.
I trust Your Word and believe Your promises. I have faith that my Lord and Savior, Jesus will return again. (Acts 1:11) I hold on to the promise that He is preparing a place for me in heaven. (John 14:2) I believe that by Your grace through faith, I have been saved to spend forever with You in heaven. (Ephesians 2:)
I don’t need to be afraid. I need to be ready! I need to live with faith and hope in anticipation of my Savior’s glorious return. I need to share Your love and tell my story of your grace and mercy. I need to keep my heart and mind focused on all You have done for me. Please help me. I surrender my life to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Paul added the following as his final advice…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
We don’t need to panic when people say the world is going to end because we have God’s promises . . . Jesus will return and we will live with Him forever.
On today’s note write:
I don’t have to be afraid of the end of the world . . . I believe in Jesus!
May God bless you and fill you with faith as you wait with hope for the day Jesus will come again in glory!
None who are believers need to be afraid, Deb. Jesus will come when He will come. In the meantime, let us live as though God’s kingdom were already here on earth.
Blessings!
I love that, Martha! I agree! May we live knowing He is among us and that His kingdom is already here on earth. God bless you, my friend!
All God asks is that we be “ready” for when He returns – only our heavenly Father knows when that will be. As long as we are ready and believe, we are already saved through His beloved son Jesus. The enemy tries to deceive us with lies. We are called to rejoice and continually to pray – keeping our focus on God, putting Him first and for us not to be caught up in things outside of our control. We serve a God who loves us, we have nothing to fear no matter what are circumstance are? Thank you Deb, for your faithful words. I’m blessed to read them!