Don't Despair

William Collen
Omaha Area Writer

Confronted with all the horrible things happening these days, not only in our own country but also abroad, what is the Christian supposed to do? Is it really worthwhile working against an oppressive government, the eroding family, the economic debacle, and so many other problems (a nice list of which were published in the last issue of Student Newspaper)? What should we do? Throw in the towel? Make some last, futile, doomed effort? Be a hermit somewhere? What?

The answer to all of those possibilities is a resounding NO! As Christians, we can be assured of Christ's victory over all his enemies, and the triumph of his church. “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). These words were spoken by the God who cannot lie.

But that doesn't mean that the gates of Hades won't try to prevail. God's enemies will do all they can to defeat and destroy Christ's people, whether that be through direct persecution, as is happening in most Muslim countries, or indirectly through totalitarian governments and a corrosive culture. But what does the Bible say about these attempts of man to shake his fist at God?

“Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed. He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision. Then he shall speak to them in his wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure” (Psalm 2:1,2,4,5).

All of man's antagonism towards God is vain. God, being ruler over all the earth, is in complete control of all that happens down here, and His purpose is to advance the glory of Christ his son through the church. And it doesn't matter how great the opposition against God is. God's power is limitless, and X is always less than infinity.

So what should we do? “Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling” (Psalm 2:10,11). These words are applicable not only to rulers but to all of humanity. Christian: dedicate your life to the service of God, and believe his promises of assured victory. Don't be afraid of the machinations of this world. Your work is not in vain!