On 7 October, I received a text from a Christian Arab pastor. It began with, “I woke up this morning at 6:30 to the horrible reality of another dark day of killing, terror, and border attacks between Gaza’s Hamas and Israel.” It happens less than 20 months from the start of the Ukraine war.

We live in troubling times. There are more mental health issues, high inflation, the “silver tsunami” and other challenges. Jesus prepared us in Matthew 24:6, “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.” The word, “alarmed”, can be translated as “troubled, panic, frightened”.

It is possible not to be alarmed or panic when you place your faith in Jesus. You realise that this life is not eternal. God has the ultimate victory. Whether we prosper or suffer, it is only temporary. We possess eternal life. Our future is secured in Jesus.

I like to encourage you to keep following Jesus and to share the good news with others. We do not go with the flow. Rather, we proclaim Jesus and bring the gospel of peace to the world. Let your faith be anchored in Jesus!

– Bob Lum