FACING DANGER AND DISASTER

                                           FACING DANGER AND DISASTER

  A short while ago, I was watching on YouTube Storm Chasers who were trying to follow and film a massive tornado. They were three young men in what looked like a smaller SUV. They were understandably excited; however, the tornado took an unexpected turn and caught them. The film continued recording while they were apparently being tossed and rolled. One of them kept praying out loud in panic desperation over and over, "Help us Jesus, Help us Lord Jesus, in Jesus'  name!!!" When the car finally came to a rest,  and actually right side up, the three young men got out and were very badly shaken. One seemed traumatized, but all were alive and showing minimal physical harm. The car looked totaled and came to rest by a body of water. It was miraculous. I followed other storm chasers of the same tornado, and it was reported that some were killed. The Bible says that, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13. Typically, we apply that Scripture for the salvation of our souls, which is how it should be and is the most important application of prayer, but it does not negate the promise for any other possible needs. This young fellow did call out to the Lord loudly, boldly, and earnestly, and they were spared, where others who were following the same storm were not. Let's look at this topic in the Scriptures. God's Word has a lot to say about it. 

 I am writing this not so much that we who are followers of Jesus get to find a way to escape every danger and hardship, but that we find our place in Christ to fulfill the will of God our Father in the "whirlwind and the storm". God has designed us to live in this world and, as Christians, to be the salt and light for His glory in a world full of darkness and suffering. By faith, we bring the hope of Christ to those who are perishing. He is also with us as we pass through the fire and the water if that is what He has called us to; that is the safest place to be, and He is glorified! ("When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon you." Isaiah 43:2)

 Psalm 91 is the pinnacle expression of God's mighty deliverance for us from dangers and disasters. Notice the expression of faith that He was responding to: "He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High...He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God, in Him will I trust...because you have made the Lord -  your Habitation...Because he has set his love on Me...because he has known My name, he shall call upon Me, and I will answer him... " Psalm 91:1-16

FIRST 

CAUSES OF DANGERS AND DISASTERS

OUR REASONABLE RESPONSIBILITY

GETTING OUR FEARS IN PROPER PERSPECTIVE

THREE WAYS TO FACE DANGERS

WHAT ABOUT DISASTERS THAT COME SUDDENLY WITHOUT APPARENT WARNING?

WHERE WAS GOD IN ALL OF THIS? WHY DID IT HAVE TO HAPPEN?

DOES GOD WARN US? 

HOW COME SOME PEOPLE GET AWAY, AND OTHERS DO NOT?

 FACING THE THREAT OF WAR 

THOSE CALLED TO ARMS AND DANGER

FINAL NOTES

 FIRST

 IN PREPARING FOR DANGERS AND DISASTERS, the first and most important step before anything else is to establish our relationship with God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23. Then you are ready to face anything regardless of the outcome, and you are also ready for eternity. Have you made your peace with God? We can talk about facing and hopefully escaping dangers and disasters all we want, but we must realize that the Lord can call us anytime. He has given us no set date. "And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Hebrews 9:27. Jesus Christ died on a cross for your sins and rose from the dead three days later so that you can be forgiven, cleansed, and reconciled to God. If you believe on Jesus, confess Him, and surrender your life to Him, you shall be saved. What will it be? Today is the day of salvation. Let's do so now, then find a Christian or pastor, and ask him what to do next! 

  When we hear of terrible and terrifying disasters that strike suddenly and often without apparent warning, we might think, "If God is in control, where was He?" or  "How come He didn't warn us ahead of time?" "We did not want war!" Let's consider this a little.

"For man also knows not his time: as the fish that are taken in an evil net, and as birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly upon them." Ecclesiastes 9:12

CAUSES OF DANGERS AND DISASTERS

THE FORCES OF NATURE IN ACTION

  We have all heard that earthquakes are typically caused by the movement and shifting of the tectonic plates in the Earth. Some are not only extremely devastating and deadly, but they can also cause tsunamis that strike coasts with destructive force hundreds of miles away. Then there are the volcanoes, which can unleash forces that wipe out everything in their path, and more! There are also flash floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, diseases, plagues, and famine.  Much is simply the functioning of the planet and its maintenance, but in all of it we desperately need HIS MERCY if we are in the event. We are so vulnerable. 

THE HUMAN ELEMENT

 Another constant concern for all people is the threat of war and other human threats. As time has moved ahead, so has man's ability to destroy. Human danger is an issue at every level, locally, nationally, and internationally. However, some of the dangers we create may be quite unintentional (hopefully), such as human error like pollution, engineering disasters, carelessness, and so on. With all these dangers, what is our hope and where is our safety?

GOD'S JUDGMENT

 MAY INCLUDE ANY OF THESE, BUT HIS HAND IS IN ALL OF THEM. "...the Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet." Nahum 1:3, "The earth is the Lord's. and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." Psalm 24:1 

OUR REASONABLE RESPONSIBILITY: WE BUILD, WE DIG IN, WE PREPARE 

  Living on this planet, we have learned to take these things into consideration and have developed and are developing measures to be prepared for and to protect ourselves from as many of these dangers as possible. In the parable of 'Building Our House on a Firm Foundation' (Matthew 7:24), although Jesus is using that illustration to instruct us on the importance of building our lives on the firm foundation of His Word, it gives us the basic insight for practical living in a turbulent world.  As in the NATURAL, so in the spiritual, the storms of life will come, and we should diligently make the corresponding preparations (meaning we do have a part to play in our success and survival so that we can prevail in them). Throughout the Scriptures of the Bible, there are a multitude of promises and instructions both for this life and in the life to come for those who put their trust in Him. I want to be careful here not to promote presumptuous expectations where the Almighty Himself did not guarantee, but, on the other hand, not miss what He does promise. Each individual must establish where they stand with Him and to what extent we trust Him, but know this: the final decision is His, and we can trust Him in that. Our responsibility is to determine what He expects of us, and then simply obey. One thing I do want to emphasise is that every time a storm cloud looms in the distance (or suddenly appears overtop of us), we do not automatically expect the worst and helplessly yield ourselves to 'fate', nor presumptuously assume that we need not concern ourselves. Our Father and God created the Universe; everything is His, and we are His children. We always have hope, possibilities, and responsibilities in Him.

"God is our Refuge and Strength, a very present Help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride." Psalm 46:1-3

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." Luke 21:25-26

  GETTING OUR FEARS IN PROPER PERSPECTIVE

  All people everywhere and throughout time struggle with fears of every kind: health, disasters, dangers from people, nature, famine, and even supernatural threats. Many fears are reasonable.  But as followers of Jesus, we actually are to embrace only one fear: "The Fear of the Lord." All dangers and threats of any kind are fully subject to the will and power of the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE, Who happens to be our Lord and Savior.

 COME TO THE REALIZATION THAT WE ARE VULNERABLE

 "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, 'With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.'" Matthew 19:26

"Thus says the Lord, 'Cursed is the man that trusts in mankind, and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord.'" Jeremiah   17:5, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament/expanse shows His handiwork." Psalm 19:1, "When I consider the heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is man, that You are mindful of him, and the son of man, that You visit him?" Psalm 8:3-4, "I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

  As followers of Jesus, we are to shift everything over to the Lord, including our fears. As I have gotten older, I have recently realized that even some of what I thought was faith in Jesus was actually a hidden confidence in my assumed abilities and self-sufficiency. When the parameters of those began to diminish, a sense of vulnerability began to grow. I found myself wondering how much I actually trust the Lord for my needs and help. This is a good place to be in regarding our faith. "For we would not, brothers, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life. But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raises the dead." 2 Corinthians 1:8-9                                  When facing the storms of life, we want to head into them by faith in Jesus and come out the other end with greater faith, praise, and thankfulness. As with Paul, we will be able to inspire and encourage others who are or will be going through the same or similar things. "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

THREE WAYS TO FACE DANGERS

 # 1 It is of critical importance to realize who is actually in control.                     # 2 Do not put our faith in man alone or his abilities.                                            # 3 Determine what God is doing, what His will is in the situation, and where you fit in lest doubt, fear, and confusion place you in the helpless, hopeless, victim mode.

  # 1 - In Christ Jesus, we are never helpless or hopeless. You will notice that when Jesus did not respond to Pilate's interrogation, Pilate (doubtless in frustration) responded by saying, "'Do You not speak to me? Do You not know that I have the authority to release You, or I have authority to crucify You?' Jesus answered, 'You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above'..." John 19:10-11. Dear friends, we must be careful not to think that He spoke this as an act of defiance. It was a reality statement for the whole world, and especially for us to recognize WHO is actually in control and in Whose hands our lives are. Our life and death are for God's glory and are in the hands of our Loving Heavenly Father (John 21:19). We are to remain fearfully and trustingly submitted to Him in all our situations. He will give us the grace to do and face whatever we need. This fact is the basis for threats and dangers of all types, whether confronted by man, sickness, nature, or whatever other possible force. 

(For an added thought, when seeking our justice in a human court or conflict, there are procedures and protocols we should follow, but remember, "Many seek a ruler's favor; but every man's judgment comes from the Lord." Proverbs 29:26)    

Step  # 2 - Do not put our faith in man who may be out of step with step #1.  Trusting in ourselves or man's abilities is trusting in the creature more than the CREATOR.

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." Psalm 20:7 

"Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help, and stay on horses; and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord." Isaiah 31:1

  In our modern age of science and technology, we can become enamored with these amazing abilities God has given us. After all, we were created in His image and likeness, and we are His children. How could we expect less? But to trust in ourselves alone is arrogant and presumptuous. We are just frail flesh and blood with a nature that has been corrupted by pride, disobedience, and covetousness(greed and lust). When we consider the scope and magnitude of the earth, let alone the universe we live in, it is foolish to assume that we of and in ourselves are our saviours, and that the ability to save ourselves from every disaster is in our hands alone. Trusting only in our strength, or the abilities of man, will eventually end in failure. Therefore, when we see amazing success in human efforts, it does not mean that the hand of the Almighty was not involved. Either by inspiring people, or in what some may call coincidental, well-planned, or perfect timing, the gracious hand of God was at work. Maybe someone did pray, and pray earnestly. Or likely, God just stepped in, despite all our efforts, and perhaps not for our sakes alone. In the midst of us trying to do the right thing, it is sometimes overlooked that certain events and timing just worked out, or simply conveniently didn't, with ideal or perfect timing. A good example of God's divine intervention in our affairs was when General Patton had a prayer distributed among 250,000 soldiers for the weather to clear during the Battle of the Bulge; in direct answer, the skies cleared, and the tide of war turned against Hitler in that critical battle. 

  Does that mean that you do nothing while waiting for the Lord? Not unless He specifically says so (Exodus 14:13-14). Moses told the children of Israel to stand and see the salvation of the Lord while the Lord barred the Egyptian army from overrunning them as they waited for Him to divide the sea and for the dry land to appear between the two walls of water. Then, at the Lord's command, they had to exercise their faith and walk through the divided sea while the Lord decimated the Egyptian army who attempted to pursue them. Like the children of Israel, we do all that is our responsibility while He does what we cannot. He told Gideon, "...Go in this your strength..." (Judges 6:14) (and leave the results to Him).  Indeed, we are to be responsible and put our best foot forward in taking care of ourselves, those around us, and especially those that are in our care; but to trust fully in human ability for our salvation and defense is folly. In the greater picture of life, there are too many variables and too many possibilities beyond the extent of our abilities for us to assume we can and will prevail in every situation without Divine intervention. Whether it be war or the powers of nature and the universe, we are and will always be at the mercy of the Creator of the universe. So, with all being said and done, while putting our best foot forward, let us continually look to the Lord our God and Savior for everything, "Look unto Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth: for I Am God, and there is none else." Isaiah 45:22. He is our only real Hope!

Step # 3 - Determine what God is doing, what His will is in the situation, and where you fit in. This is absolutely critical for success and survival!

"Except the Lord build the house, the labour in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman walks in vain." Psalm, 127:1

  Knowing that God is in control of everything, when danger looms on the horizon or suddenly lands overhead, we humble ourselves and immediately inquire of the Lord what His will and purpose are for this situation and what He expects of us. Our duty is to obey and apply ourselves diligently while trusting Him explicitly. Again, depending on the type of threat and danger we may be facing, we follow the Scriptures of the Bible for our most solid guidance and instructions, and also (wonderfully), we have His Holy Spirit to guide us in the specifics (thank You, Lord Jesus!). If we are hit so fast that we don't have time to think, we cry out to Him as that young man caught by the tornado did. The rest is up to Him. Some years ago, a hurricane was threatening to hit Central America. A pastor in one of the countries called his church to pray and fast. Apparently, the Hurricane decimated the adjacent country, but only skirted theirs. So we diligently, in Godly fear, like Noah, who obeyed by building the Ark (Hebrews 11:7), do what is required practically, and also according to the Word of God under the guidance of His Holy Spirit for our situation (prayer, fasting, warning people...) and trust Him for the rest. Realistically, unless the Lord has given someone a specific position of influence (like Moses) for a threat on a national scale, our singular efforts will benefit us personally and perhaps those in our direct care. But for a nation to be spared from disaster, a national effort is typically required, as was the case with the people of Nineveh (Jonah 3:4-10). Still, if we do as the Lord directs, it could benefit many. God spared the people in the ship Paul was in during the storm as long as they remained in the ship ("...God has given you all them that sail with you..." Acts 27:24) because he was in the will of the Lord, even though he was a prisoner being transported. How wonderful is that! We have no idea how much of a difference we can make that will benefit others as we pursue Christ. Give Him your best!

WHAT ABOUT DISASTERS THAT COME SUDDENLY WITHOUT APPARENT WARNING?

 This is an underlying concern around the world. As followers of Jesus, we have put our trust in Him. And as we trust Him, He imparts His peace ("You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts You." Isaiah 26:3). It is a peace which passes understanding (John 14:27, Philippians 4:6-7), knowing that our life is in His hands, not man's or nature's. That does not mean we are to be unconcerned or careless. We, in humility and the fear of the Lord, do what we are able, and we leave the final results to Him.                                                                                                         Psalm 91 addresses reasons for dangers and disasters.  Disasters that overtake people are not just an accident. Jesus gives an example of two such instances in Luke13:1-4. The first was when Pilate brutally executed some of the people, and the other was when 18 were killed when a tower collapsed. What did Jesus say was the reason for their fate? "...Do you think that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no, but except you repent, you shall all likewise perish." ("The wages of sin is death." Romans 6:23, "...for if you believe not that I AM HE, you shall die in your sins." John 8:24). Our sins leave us vulnerable to dangers and disasters. Dear friends, walking in constant conscious obedience to the Lord should be our lifestyle: "And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.'" Job 28:28.  We must never take frivolously what the Bible calls sin and sinful behavior. If we walk in willful and unrepentant sin, according to the Bible, we should expect danger and disaster, and as with the individual, so it is with the nation. 

"Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not, therefore, partakers with them." Ephesians 5:6-7

  CLEARLY, with this in mind, our focus in life should not be 'always trying to be safe', BUT TO BE RIGHT WITH GOD! And our goal to be right with God should not be just to be safe from harm, but because it is the right thing to do! We want to love God, because God loves us and He is Good. God's ways are good, just, holy, and true. How better can we live than that? That should be the motive of our hearts. Whatever happens after is incidental.

 Does that mean that everyone who gets hurt or dies in disasters is an unrepentant sinner? NO. The book of JOB covers this topic very clearly. There are so many circumstances which only God knows. We just have to accept that His judgments are just and perfect. We, on our part, are to live uprightly and in faith before Him, and He will do what is best for us. He sees and knows everything. 

WHAT ABOUT INNOCENT CHILDREN?

   As parents, this is heavy, but God holds the parents responsible for the children's safety and welfare. That is such a sacred call that it lands fifth within the TEN COMMANDMENTS, actually before murder! Again, there are too many circumstances involved that only God can address, but be assured, dear parents, that our choices and lifestyles will directly affect the safety and welfare, as well as the destiny of our children. God took King David's son, who was born to Bathsheba, not because of any fault of the child, but as a punishment to David and Bathsheba for their sin. The child went directly into the arms of the Lord (2 Samuel 12). Children are the true victims of human folly. We are to bathe them in love, prayer, and our obedience to God. The rest we leave to Him in confidence.

WHAT ABOUT DISASTERS THAT TAKE INNOCENT PEOPLE BECAUSE OF THE FAULT OF THEIR LEADERS? 

  In God's eyes, are we so innocent? "For through the anger of the Lord it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till He has cast them out from His presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon." Jeremiah 52:3

  King Zedekiah's move was obviously foolish and ultimately disastrous, but notice that the hand of God was in it to fulfill His wrath against the wickedness and rebellion of Jerusalem and Judah. In 2 Samuel 21, there was a famine in the land because King Saul had killed the Gibeonites, and it would not lift until David avenged their deaths. In this case, it was clearly the leader who was at fault. In 2 Samuel 24, it says that the Lord's anger burned against Israel, and He moved David against them by numbering the people (which was against the Lord's command). In 1 Chronicles 21:1, the Bible says that Satan stood up against Israel and provoked David to number Israel. Obviously, Israel gave Satan a foothold, which angered the Lord and moved David by allowing Satan to provoke him to sin. In this case, as was the case with King Zedekiah, it was the fault of the people that disaster came, even though the bad decision came from the leaders. "The King's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water, He turns it wheresoever He will." Proverbs 21:1. Dear friends, we can become so desensitized to our sin and are shocked or angry when bad things follow, yet not realize that we are to blame.  If Jesus called that generation an adulterous and sinful generation (Mark 8: 38), and they were heading into God's wrath, where do you think our generation is heading, especially for us here in Canada, considering what we have been doing? 

WHERE WAS GOD IN ALL OF THIS? WHY DID IT HAVE TO HAPPEN?

 We have already established that "He is in the whirlwind and in the storm", and in the disasters He is working, "...When disaster comes to a city, has not the Lord caused it?" Amos 3:6. This also implies that the safety of all dwellings is fully dependent on the Lord. Therefore, godliness and moral integrity are our greatest defences. Our personal responsibility is to walk with Him uprightly with all of our hearts and commit our welfare into His loving and merciful hands ("The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear Him, and delivers them." Psalm 34:7). He will take care of us, but remember, the Lord is always watching and working, and that also includes His judgment against sinful and ungodly behavior. Thankfully, He does not punish us every time we err, whether individually or as a people group. He is always giving us room to change, "...the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full." Genesis 15:16, which means that he gives us time to reconsider our ways and get back on track with Him. Jesus describes this with Jezebel in Revelation. "I gave her space to repent of her fornication, and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death, that all the churches shall know that I am He which searches the reins/minds and hearts, and I will give unto every one of you according to your works." Revelation 2:21-23. Any disaster that follows unrepentant sin is well earned. You will also notice that in judgment He still left an open door for those who were willing to repent (but that is a very narrow gate with no guaranteed time). Also, you will notice that she endangered her children by her unrepentant behavior.

 THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: if ungodliness and immorality are growing where we live, as Christians, our first responsibility is not to be a partaker with them in any form or agreement. Nor do we as Christians attack even verbally. Rather, in love, humility, and godly fear, we admonish. Implementing changes in laws to control people's behavior may work for a while, but God's true answer is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because He changes hearts, minds, and lives, which is the ultimate way of removing sinful behavior. So godliness, overcoming evil with good, loving our neighbour, prayer, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ are the best defences for preventing disaster.

DOES GOD WARN US? 

 YES HE DOES! "Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets." Amos 3:7. All throughout the Bible, the prophets give such warnings to individuals, rulers, and nations. In Acts 11:28, Agabus (a prophet) warned of a coming famine. He also warned Paul of coming chains and captivity Acts 21:10-14.

 THE MINISTRY OF THE WATCHMEN

  In the Old Testament, the prophets were sometimes called watchmen if they were appointed by God to warn the nation of coming judgment. A heavy demand was laid on them, and if they failed to warn the people, the people's blood would be on them (Ezekiel 33:1-9). The church now has that responsibility.

    God also uses our government agencies and public service professionals, like scientists and researchers, to give us early warnings of coming storms, earthquake activity, flooding, and so on. We also have police reports and even the media. It is up to us to heed the warnings and do what we can to avoid possible disaster. We do have a responsibility to take our own precautions and keep ourselves informed. Jesus admonished us to watch and pray (Matthew 26:41; Mark 13:37).

DOES GOD GIVE PERSONAL WARNING AND DIVINE INTERVENTION

 Indeed He does. God warned both Abimelech and Laban in their dreams. Genesis 20:3-7, Genesis 31:24. Notice that both men were neither Jew nor Christian. God does give warnings in various ways, sometimes by speaking to us directly, or by dreams, impulses, conscience, the voice of others... but in every way, He actively steps in where He sees it is necessary. We have all had those experiences where we were unintentionally late and missed a disaster. Or we felt a need to turn in another direction, or not to stop where we intended to. Yes, the Lord intervenes far more often than we likely realize, for both saint and sinner alike, Halleluiah! "For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the Living God, Who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those that believe." 1 Timothy 4:10

HOW COME SOME PEOPLE GET AWAY, AND OTHERS DO NOT?

 There are questions that only God can answer, but be assured, He knows and cares about each individual. He knows all things; His judgments are just and perfect. "The righteous perishes, and no man lays it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness." Isaiah 57:1-2 "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15, "I have seen everything during my lifetime of futility; there is a righteous man who perished in His righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his wickedness." Ecclesiastes 7:15 Again, this is only something that the Almighty can sort out, and we have to trust His perfect judgment.

 FACING THE THREAT OF WAR 

"A king is not saved by a large army, nor is a warrior delivered by great strength. A horse offers false hope for victory; despite its power, it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those who trust in His kindness, to deliver them in death and preserve their lives in time of famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield. Our hearts rejoice in Him because we trust in His Holy name. O Lord, let Your kindness rest upon us, for we have placed our hope in You." Psalm 33:16-22 NCB 

WAR IS A SYMPTOM - "When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." Proverbs 16:7 

   In my next study, 'THE WRATH OF GOD', I will cover this topic a little further, but I want to address this topic this time from a different angle. If you will notice in Joshua 5:13-15, 2 Samuel 5:24, the book of Daniel 10, and the book of Revelation 12:7-9, there is another aspect and other parties involved that we perhaps don't think of because of the impact of war: the spiritual forces of the Kingdom of God versus the Kingdom of Darkness or Satan's kingdom. These are in conflict until Jesus returns. The wars among men are not necessarily a 'Good Guy versus a Bad Guy' issue, and by the way, most people on each side typically feel they are the 'Good Guy'. There are people from either Kingdom on both sides, depending on the reason for their involvement. If you can believe it, David had sons of Belial (wicked/worthless men) in his army (1 Samuel 30:22), even though David's cause was righteous. Nonetheless, there is a spiritual war going on alongside the natural conflicts, and few can escape its effects. We, by our choices and actions, make a difference either way, and thus carry some weight of the responsibility. As followers of Jesus, we need to be aware of the values and the spiritual condition of our country and pray earnestly for it and the people in it. How it regards the teachings of the Bible and the person of the Lord Jesus Christ will give you a good indication of where your country is heading and what may be coming down the road. What are the influences behind the thinking of your society and consequently influencing your leadership? Again, our greatest efforts for hope are prayer, the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and holy living. We "overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21). 

THE OPEN DOOR

   OUR FAILURE TO GODLINESS AND FAITHFULNESS MAKES US VULNERABLE as individuals and as a nation. Let's look at the examples of WORLD WARS 1 and 2 for a more present-day analysis. Apparently, World War 1 began from more of an upper-crust political entanglement (perhaps the spiritual war behind it was as in 2 Samuel 24:1 & 1 Chronicles 2, though far more complicated than this on the human level). As we look at this, we can see the powers of darkness were able to gain a solid foothold in the affairs of men, as was indicated by the characters of some of the leaders that rose to power in World War II. Jesus said, "You shall know them by their fruits." Matthew 7:16. Although in this verse, Jesus was warning of false prophets, the principle is valid in other aspects of life. ("For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12 ).             Europe was/is primarily a so-called Christian continent. Many Christians were on all sides. Some chose sides; some were forced into it, but everyone paid. Something more than ideologies was festering and had been festering in the countries, perhaps for centuries, and the devil was conniving through it all (which is why we should be so careful about who and what we listen to and believe). The Biblical influence, though strong, was not prevailing in these issues as one would hope. Certain predominant ideological and social values were malignant. Although not everyone agreed with them, enough did, which enabled them to gain dominant influence, especially under the smokescreens of doubt, offense, injustice, confusion, and pride. The first is a common plague worldwide: class distinction, putting one class or group of people over another, and/or vilifying a people, leading to injustice and oppression. The French Revolution was a reaction to this mentality and behavior, but it never fully went away. This thinking helped birth the most extreme form of class distinction through the fallout of World War 1 - Nazism. Its influence was spreading beyond the borders of Europe. The opposition, under the guise of defiance to social and political injustice, was Communism. Both had appealing ideals to those who were desperate for justice and some kind of help. When incubated under ideal conditions, these concepts burst forth. That happened to Russia near the end of World War 1 where its people were fed up with the injustice of its government. On the other hand, the people of Germany after World War 1 were humiliated and severely oppressed by the Treaty of Versailles. Another thought that gained huge influence in the world at the time was the THEORY of Evolution. Through it, two assumptions were fortified and deeply impacted the thinking of certain sectors of society: an assumed proof for the atheistic worldview, which claims that we do not need to obey, fear, or believe in God, and the ungodly conclusion that human life is not sacred. Both the Nazis and the Communists embraced these concepts and implemented them in their methods of control and dominance. (Dear friends, I have no intention of turning this into a political statement by singling out any people, implying that any of us are better. The same struggle is going on today, but with different faces, and most are choosing sides without considering who and what is actually behind the policies. Outside the Gospel and love of the Lord Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Bible, we are all susceptible to the devil's deceptions).                                                                                                   In World War 2, spiritual warfare and natural warfare collided and took most everyone with it, with massive devastating effects. Now the wars did not break out on these premises, but they gave the Satanic forces the foothold they needed to incite war and destruction for dominance. "The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy." John 10:10. Considering the prevailing influences today, where are we heading again, and what can we do to try to avoid disaster?       

  As for personal protection from danger in such a situation, we have the conditions and promises of Psalm 91, and we must find our place in Christ and the will of God. The rest is up to Him. Furthermore, if we are only concerned about personal protection, we are missing the point of the Love of Christ and Calvary. We are to love our neighbour as ourselves because we have already made our peace with God, and they need Him too.                            Next, I want to stress that we are not to be partakers with anything or anyone that opposes the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Bible and its teachings and commandments, or makes light of the fear and Holiness of God!!! "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." Ephesians 5:11. If we partake in or agree with anything that involves idolatry, the taking of innocent life such as abortions and euthanasia, whatever the Bible calls sexual immorality, or witchcraft (including drugs), we are giving the Devil an open door into our society, which will eventually end in judgment and the wrath of God in some form. That is the trick that Balaam used against the Children of Israel. Instead, pray for your country and leaders, walk in humility and faith, and commit the keeping of your soul into the merciful hands of your Loving Heavenly Father.                          

 WHAT IF YOU FIND YOURSELF ALREADY TRAPPED IN AN OCCUPIED STATE?                                                                                                                                       Make the Lord your Refuge and Hiding Place (Psalm 32:7, 91), hope in His mercy, and continue to do what is right. This is the same for natural disasters. This next example we cannot take as a promise to all, depending on the variables the Lord has in mind for each person, but look what the Lord promised to Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian during the Babylonian invasion (which was God's judgment on Judah and Jerusalem): "Go speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, 'Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring My words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before you. But I will deliver you in that day, says the Lord: and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but your life shall be for a prey/booty to you, because you have put your trust in Me, says the Lord.'" Jeremiah 39:16-18.                           Please understand. We cannot take a verse from the Bible given specifically to someone else, apply it to ourselves, and assume that is what the Lord will do for us. Only what He has spoken to us specifically or to everyone generally can we hold on to as a personal promise; however, you will notice that there was an attitude that pleased the Lord, which earned Ebed-Melech that special grace, "because you have put your trust in Me, says the Lord." That is something He should find in all of us and the way we should be living all our lives. Expect to see the miracles and the merciful close calls. I am sure most of you already have.

THOSE CALLED TO ARMS AND DANGER

  If we are called to fight in the war, whether you are drafted or a volunteer, you want to be sure you are in the Lord. Remember, "...for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." Matthew 26:52. Right away, Christian or non-Christian, you are a candidate subject to harm and/or death. But is there a hope and shelter in Christ? Always! Ask King David, a warrior. "I will love You, O Lord, my Strength. The Lord is my Rock and my Fortress, and my Deliverer, My God, my Strength, in whom I will trust; my Buckler, and the Horn of my salvation, and my High Tower. I will call upon the Lord, Who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from my enemies." Psalm 18:1-3      As a soldier, police officer, or rescue personnel, you will have to put your life on the line. Trust the Lord, do your duty, be ready for anything, ask for help, and leave the results with Him. 

FINAL NOTES 

HEEDING THE WARNINGS BUT BE WARY OF FEARS - Take the alarms seriously, but watch the suspicious fears. Jesus admonished us to know the times we live in (Matthew 16:3), and to watch and pray. Pay attention to what is going on, be prepared, but do not be driven by the fears of men. "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the One you are to regard as Holy; He is the one you are to fear; He is the one you are to dread." Isaiah 8:12-13

 KEY INGREDIENTS FOR SURVIVAL IN DANGERS - Be responsible, take appropriate precautions seriously, and stay close to Jesus.

THE FOLLY OF FORMULAS - "Not everyone that says to Me 'Lord, Lord', shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that does the will of My Father which is in Heaven." Matthew 7:21. As you may have noticed, I like to give advice, but formulas are not a  "Magic Potion" which, when applied, will guarantee God's cooperation (God forbid!). He is God and Lord, the only true authority! Complete submission to him should be our heart no matter what.

THE INTIMACY OF HOLY FELLOWSHIP - I will repeat this again, because we all love the hope provided in Psalm 91, but as stated, it reflects a deep, intimate pursuit of Christ. Our goal in life is not to be safe, but to be pleasing to the Father.

THE OVERLAPPING BENEFIT OF FAITH - Our walk of faith will cover every aspect of our life, no matter how unrelated or insignificant it may appear. Make your pursuit of Christ the focus and goal of your entire life, and enjoy Him forever.

BEING THE SALT AND THE LIGHT (Matthew 5:13-16)- As followers of Jesus, His presence in us and our submission to His will and ways have a huge but often hidden impact on our world and the people around us. We cannot take any of the credit, but get to be a blessing and see His glory! 

THE POWER OF BROKENNESS AND EARNEST PRAYER - "If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14,  "Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Lord, help us!!

DANGER AS A RESULT OF OUR OWN FOLLY - For a final statement, some of the things that happen to us are a result of our bad choices and maybe our bad behavior, yet we can sometimes turn and blame everyone else and even God. "A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the Lord." Proverbs 19:3. Dear friends, it is time for all of us to stop, take inventory of our lives, and turn to Jesus with all our hearts and in Godly fear, because He is coming to judge the earth (Psalm 98:13). 

 Dangers and disasters may come, but in Jesus we do have a place of Refuge and Hope in every possible means, and we can fully trust Him and not be afraid. He loves us so much.