The world can be a a terrifying place . . . hurricanes, earthquakes, wars, violence, plagues, civil unrest, and persecution.

We really shouldn’t be surprised. When asked about the “end of the age,” Jesus replied…

Nation will go to war against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven. But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution.

Luke 21:10–12a

And people have been wondering if they are living in that “time” for generations. But Jesus said something else that is so very important…

But not a hair of your head will perish! By standing firm, you will win your souls.

Luke 21:18–19

He didn’t say we wouldn’t suffer and or die . . . everyone suffers and everyone dies. But our souls and our eternal future—they are secure in Christ Jesus.

Jack E. Dawson created a beautiful painting of water pouring over a cliff in the midst of a terrible storm. But if you pause and look very carefully, you will see a bird in its nest comfortably tucked toward the bottom of the waterfall on a protected ledge.

Surrounded by chaos . . . it is safe.

Finally, Jesus also told His followers what they should do as they wait for His return.

Watch the signs. Keep alert. And pray for strength! (Luke 21:34–36)

Click here to read all of Luke 21.

A Prayer for Strength as We Watch and Wait

Lord Jesus, wars, storms, illness, hatred, violence . . . this world can be a frightening place. Thank you, for telling us that all of these are to be expected. Knowing they’re expected doesn’t make it any easier to live through them but knowing You are with us does.

Again and again, I read the words . . . “be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, and don’t be anxious.” It’s almost impossible when I look at all that’s going on in the world. But then I also read the words . . . “I am with you (Matthew 28:20), I will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5), I have overcome the world (John 16:33), and  I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am (John 14:3).”

Lord, please help me watch the signs and pray. Help me to remain alert with anticipation for Your glorious return. And please give me the strength I need to live each day trusting that Your Spirit is with me and that Your grace is sufficient to help me do whatever lies before me each day.

I believe You will come again with power and great glory (Luke 21:27) And I believe that by Your grace and with Your help, You will give me everything I need to trust Your will and follow Your plans for me each day. I love You, Lord, and I thank you . . . forever and always. Amen.

The enemy wants us to focus on the chaos and live in fear.

But Jesus…

Wants us to be prepared and focus on Him. To watch and pray!

He told the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane to…

Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.

Matthew 26:41

When we watch in faith and pray with strength we will by God’s grace, have everything we need to endure the times.

On today’s note simply write:

Watch the signs and pray for strength.

God bless you today as you trust Jesus to be with you and give you strength as you watch and wait for His return.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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