Matthew 24:6-8
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” — Matthew 24:6-8 (NIV)
Introduction
This week has been filled with headlines that remind us of how fragile life is. From a devastating floods that have claimed many lives, to the escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, not to mention Israel and Iran, it seems the world is gripped by chaos and conflict. With all of this going on It’s natural to ask, “Where is God in all of this?” and “How should we, as believers, respond?”
Let’s look at three things today:
The Reality of Suffering in a Broken World
Finding Peace in the Storm
Our Role as the Light of Christ in Times of Crisis
1. The Reality of Suffering in a Broken World
The Reality is believers are not strangers to suffering. The Bible is full of accounts of wars, natural disasters, and personal suffering of people. Scripture never promises us a life free from pain or conflict. As a matter of fact, Jesus warned us that we would face trials in a fallen world. He said in this world you will have troubles… But I have overcome the world
The Apostle Paul wrote in 2nd Corinthians 4:8-10 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
Floods & Destruction: Are just Creation Groaning
Romans 8:22 tells us that “the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” Just because we have Floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters doesn’t mean that God has abandoned the world, it’s just means that we live in a world that is deeply affected by sin and brokenness. Even during these devasting things we can still find God at work.
Conflict Between Nations: It’s just Prophecy fulfilling
The wars, and the ongoing conflicts between nations... Let me point you in direction of the prophecy found in Matthew 24: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” All of these conflicts are part of the brokenness caused by our own human sin and pride. Jesus told us that these things were coming … He told us how it was going to be… not to scare us, but to remind us that the world is moving toward a greater story— a better story… I think He wanted us to know that the World was moving towards God’s ultimate plan of redemption.
When we see suffering, when we see war in the world, we have got to remember that this is not the end. The brokenness we see around us is not permanent, it’s not going to last forever. All this brokenness and suffering around us points to the need of a Savior and the hope we have in Christ, who one day will make all things new.
2. Finding Peace in the Storm
In times of crisis, whether it’s a natural disaster or a conflict, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But, as Christians, we are called to respond differently—not with fear, but with faith. Remember in Mark 4: 35-41 when Jesus calmed the storm and reassured His disciples in the midst of chaos
The disciples found themselves in a violent storm, and were terrified for their lives. In their fear, they cried out to Jesus, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus responded… He rebuked the wind and the waves, and brought peace to the chaos.
Sometimes we find ourselves in storms, whether literal (like a flood or tornado) or figuratively. And much like the disciples, we may wonder if God even cares. But we must remember: God doesn’t leave us in the storm… God is with us in the storm. He may not always calm the storm immediately, but He promises to be with us through it… He’s going to be with you through the struggles, He’s going to be with you through the trials…
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When the storms of life hit—whether it’s war or natural disasters—we are called to pray, we are called to trust, and experience the peace that only God can provide. His peace doesn’t depend on our circumstances… His peace comes from His presence.
In times of crisis, we just need to lean into God’s peace. When the world feels out of control, we can trust that God is still on the throne, still in control, and still good.
What storms are you facing today? Have you invited God into your situation to give you peace, or are you trying to navigate it on your own?
3. What is our Role as the Light of Christ in Times of Crisis
In times of crisis, the Church has a role to play. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing hope, peace, and practical help to those in need. As the world faces floods, hurricanes, wildfires, wars, and turmoil, how should we, as followers of Christ, respond?
We need to Pray for the Nations and the Suffering
1 Timothy 2:1-2 urges us to pray “for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” In the face of war, we are called to pray for peace and wisdom for leaders. In the face of natural disasters, we are called to pray for comfort and provision for those affected.
Practical Action: Pray this week for the people of Israel and Iran, Russia & Ukraine, that God’s peace would reign amidst conflict, and for those affected by the floods to experience God’s provision and restoration.
Offer Help and Hope
James 2:14-17 reminds us that faith without works is dead. As Christians, we must not only pray but also take action. When disasters strike, we are called to serve the hurting, give generously to relief efforts, and be a source of light in the darkness.
Be a Voice of Hope
In a world that is increasingly fearful, we are called to be voices of hope. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Our hope is in Christ, and the world needs that message more than ever.
In times of crisis, how do you respond? Are you a source of comfort and help to those around you? Or are you swept up in fear and inaction? Let’s be the Church that steps into the storm, not away from it, bringing the light of Christ where it is most needed.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the headlines of this week, we are reminded that the world is fragile and broken. Floods and other natural disasters come, wars rage, and lives are lost. But we have a hope that is unshakable.
God is present in the storm, and He calls us to be His light in a world filled with darkness. Let’s commit ourselves to prayer, to action, and to being the voice of hope in these times of trial.
This week, spend time in prayer for those affected by the floods and the conflict in the middle east and Ukraine. Pray for peace, healing, and for God’s presence to be felt in those regions.
Commit to being a voice of hope. Share the peace and love of Christ with those around you, especially those who are fearful or anxious about the state of the world.
Let’s pray.
Father, we come before You with heavy hearts for the events happening in the world right now. We lift up the victims of the floods, the people of Israel, and all of those affected by conflict. Lord, bring Your peace to these situations. Use us, Your Church, to be instruments of Your love and compassion. Help us to trust You in the storms of life, knowing that You are always with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
