What to do when things look bad

Luke 21:5-19

⁵ Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, ⁶ “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”

⁷ “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

⁸ He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. ⁹ When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

¹⁰ Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹ There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

¹² “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. ¹³ And so you will bear testimony to me. ¹⁴ But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. ¹⁵ For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. ¹⁶ You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. ¹⁷ Everyone will hate you because of me. ¹⁸ But not a hair of your head will perish. ¹⁹ Stand firm, and you will win life.

During uncertainty and chaos, Jesus foretells the destruction of the magnificent temple, leaving His disciples in awe and seeking answers. We, too, encounter seasons in life where the foundations we once thought were unshakable appear to crumble. Our plans, relationships, and circumstances all seem to fall to pieces.

But Jesus calls us to fix our gaze on Him, the unchanging cornerstone, rather than on the crumbling stones of our worldly and temporary existence. Trusting in our Lord during chaotic times doesn’t mean the absence of challenges but finding peace within the storm. Jesus promises that even when the world around us seems to fall apart, not a hair on our heads will perish if we remain steadfast in Him. Our trust is not in the strength or might of earthly structures but in the eternal faithfulness of our Lord.

Dear Heavenly Father, amid life’s uncertainties, we fix our eyes on You. Thank you for the peace you bring us each day and bless us with the grace to trust in Your unchanging and steadfast love. Thank you for Your peace which surpasses all understanding.
In Your glorious name, Jesus. Amen

Written by Sven Bessesen