They are often the “stars” of the nightly news and the greatest of political debates.They make their mark on the face of the globe, staking their claim, and leaving a trail of destruction behind them.
Terrorists have no regard. No remorse. No recompense. They heed no warning and make no amends. And in their pride they seemingly prosper. They appear to be like those of whom the prophet Jeremiah spoke.
“Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?” (Jeremiah 12:1 NKJV)
Yet…
Are they happy? Are they prosperous? Or are they fooled by the applause of the adversary who cheers them on?
You see, there is something terrorists cannot do—can never do.
They cannot change the Truth.
Although they claim to know it, rally for it, and kill in the name of it, their “truth” is really the oldest of lies.
The lie that says, “Did God really say?”
The lie that says, “You can be like God.”
The lie that says, “I will give you the whole world if only you will serve me.”
That ancient serpent, the devil, makes darkness seem as light. He has convinced them that the path they are on is the noblest of paths; that their mission is somehow righteous. However, the Bible tells us differently.
“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” (1John 1:5-7 NKJV)
Acts of terrorism cause us to hold our loved ones closer. They cause us to be more aware of our surroundings—if not a little paranoid. But may we never allow extremists to convince us that they are somehow beyond the grasp of God; that they are invincible.
Yes, radicals seem to be growing in number, acquiring the wealth and resources they need to infiltrate every continent. But there is something they cannot do.They cannot alter the absolute, undeniable and irrevocable truth that Jesus Christ is Lord!
Perhaps, that should be the cry of our hearts; that their eyes would be opened, or even blinded. Like Saul, who hated Christians, and had them put to death, yet was met with one life-changing question, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9)
Jesus came to give life, not take it. He died for every sin of the entire world…including the sins of terrorists.
The challenge?
As believers, our challenge is to stand unwavering—in solidarity on the truth of God’s Word. The ever-present fear of what might come next cannot overrule what we know to be true. We must remember who the real enemy is and believe that God is bigger than any of his schemes.
Terrorists have done many horrendous things. But they cannot steal, kill, or destroyone single iota of truth. God’s Word remains. Though the mountains may crumble around us, or the earth pass away, the Word of the Lord stands forever!
Unfortunately, the threat of radicals bringing harm to our own cities, churches, and homes, remains a very real threat. The Bible indicates that things will only grow worse as we near the much awaited return of Christ. (Matthew 24:7-12) But no matter how bad things get, let’s stand on what we know to be true…Jesus Christ—the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Let us not allow terrorism to alter our view of God’s promises. Let us not grow weary interceding on behalf of our enemies. And let us always remember that the end of the story has already been written.
“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.” (Revelation 21:3-6 NKJV)
Lord, thank You. In the midst of these dark times, we thank You. Please send your Spirit to move through the ranks of our enemies. Speak to them so persistently, Lord, that they will hear Your voice and turn from their ways. We trust You, Almighty God, and depend fully on Your Word. Thank you for never changing, never wavering, and never leaving us. We put our lives in Your hands. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Jennifer Waddle is best known for words of encouragement as an Author, Speaker and Musician for Women’s Ministry. She currently has three published books on Amazon and is a regular contributor for WomensMinistryTools.com and GotQuestions.org. Jennifer is committed to sharing authentic messages of hope to women of all walks of life. She loves being a wife of 24 years, mom of four, and nana of two. Most of all, she cherishes her time spent in the Word of God, with a cup of coffee and a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains. Contact Jennifer here: www.jenniferwaddleonline.com or encouragementmama@gmail.com.
Publication date: January 6, 2016