As the prophetic birth pangs increase, how are you going to spend your time?  I asked myself that very question this afternoon. Another hurricane moving across the Caribbean. A 7.1 earthquake in Mexico City. This following Hurricane Harvey, Irma and an earthquake in Mexico last week. The earth itself is telling us to prepare.  So how are we going to do that?

We cannot protect ourselves and our living environment by shielding ourselves in a fortress. We can’t live in fear of the dangers that appear to be increasing around us.  So what can we do?

We can meditate on the words Jesus spoke to us in the book of Luke chapter 12 verses 22 to 34.

Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. ²³ Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.²⁴ Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? ²⁵ And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? ²⁶ If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? ²⁷ Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ²⁸ If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?

²⁹ “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. ³⁰ For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. ³¹ But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

³² “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. ³³ Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. ³⁴ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

We can focus our hearts and attention on the giver of life, our Redeemer and Friend! By spending time with Him in prayer and by learning of Him more through reading the Word we can increase our faith and trust in Him. As we do this it will allow us to   continue to do the work he has called us to. Feed the poor, tend to the widows and orphans, encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ and minster daily in the ways He has prepared for us.

The world has plenty of reason to fear and worry. They don’t have a relationship with the Prince of Peace. This fact alone makes the importance of us trusting Christ during these days even more important. They are watching to see our reaction. They want peace and we know the answer to that need. It is in having a relationship with Christ! We need to love them enough to tell them!

Instead of getting caught up in the cares of this world, Jesus wants us to stay focused on Him.  He will direct us and give us the wisdom and knowledge we need to live in the days we find ourselves in! With our wonderful Helper, the Holy Spirit, we can maneuver our way through each day in perfect peace regardless of the circumstances, natural disasters or trials we may face.

So  again, ²⁹ “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. ³⁰ For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. ³¹ But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

Rest in knowing that we can lean into Him, regardless of what we may face.