Don’t Panic

Prayer – Lord, Thank You. I’m so glad You said not to panic. I get a little anxious sometimes and then I hear about nations going against nations—it is more than just rumors. My anxiety could just grow…day by day. These wars and rumors of wars that You mentioned seem to be a normal occurrence now. Leaders are plotting, planning, readying troops, and moving them around the world. I’m also glad that You told Your disciples and us…that the end will follow, but not happen instantaneously. Just like in childbirth—it doesn’t happen right away. (Sigh.) There is some security in that. We don’t have to hold our breath—nor do we have to get all uptight and full of anxiety. We just need to trust You—that Your plan will be completed one day. What can I do for You in the meantime?

Model of the Temple
Jerusalem, Israel
The Temple just like where Jesus taught.

As Jesus was leaving the Temple grounds, his disciples pointed out to him the various Temple buildings. But he responded, "Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!" Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, "Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?" Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Matthew 24:1-8

 

Meditate. Consider how God takes His time—all throughout history.

 

Don’t panic. Such good advice considering the anxiety that so many people have had in the last three years associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. Panic only increases anxiety. Like mice in a maze, they are looking for a way out. Just breath. Relax. Keep a calm mind and heart. Jesus told His disciples…and us…in this passage, "Don't let anyone mislead you….” He is the Messiah, although He was not recognized as such by many Jews during His years of ministry. Don’t be deceived. Others have claimed…and will again claim, to be the Messiah. We’ve got our Messiah—don’t look for any other. Don’t let panic get in the way of the sensible advice that Jesus gave us.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. John 20:30-31

 

© 2023 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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