Reading the Signs of the Times: Natural Disasters

Have you ever jumped in the car to go on a road trip? If you have, you know how important it is to read the signs along the way. Signs show you that you are heading in the right direction and help you to know how far you have to go to get to your destination.

Jesus tells his followers to read the signs of the times. He knew signs would help us be ready. Alert. On guard. To be prepared as we move closer and closer to our destination. And for those who believe in Jesus, that destination is heaven.

A woman in childbirth (Romans 8:16-22) knows that when her contractions get closer together and more intense, her body is preparing for the baby to arrive. As the body of Christ, we will feel an increase in frequency and intensity as we prepare for Jesus' arrival.

Over the next three weeks, let's go on our own "road trip" and look at the signs all around us that the time of Jesus' imminent return is nearing.

Matthew 24 is our first stop, as it speaks to some of these signs. One sign is natural disasters. Famines, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. If you take a moment and look around, you can see these things are happening with an increased intensity and frequency like never before.

So, what do we do? Well, Matthew 24:6 says not to panic. Rather, we should stay alert, thankful and prayerful (1 Peter 5:8). Above all else, cling to hope. Job 11:18 says, "And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security."

Watch these increased signs and joyfully await our eternal destination.

Cling to hope.

It will infuse courage into your heart!