Isaiah 13:11 “I will punish the world for its evil,
the wicked for their sins.
I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty
and will humble the pride of the ruthless.

This verse should be a real comfort to many, because right now the news is filled with people who could be the very definition of ruthless. We see all types and all levels of rebellion against God all around us, but we need to remember that God is still God, and no one is going to “get away with it,” whatever it looks like at the moment. I’m reminded of Japanese journalist Kenji Goto, who was recently beheaded. Unusually for a Japanese in the news, he was a strong Christian, living out his faith in very practical ways, and it cost him his life. However, he has now received the crown of life, (James 1:12 and various others) but those who did this to him face the fires of hell. Actually, Islamic terror is simply the most visible evil at the moment; we run into evil of all sorts every day. It is imperative for every member of God’s family to choose good and not evil at every turn on a consistent basis (Hebrews 5:14) and trust God with the consequences. As Paul reminded us, God has said that He will settle all accounts. (Romans 12:19) It is up to us to walk in grateful, humble obedience.

I will confess to getting quite stirred up at times over what is going on in the world. It is certainly not that I should not care, but I do need to be careful that I not let it steal my peace. I am to be active in every way the Lord directs, both praying and putting feet to my prayers, but I am not to be anxious about the outcome. I will never forget the time the Lord told me personally that many things at the present are not as He would like them to be. However, everything will indeed “come out in the wash,” as the saying goes. No evil can stand against the holiness of God. I am to walk in personal holiness and obedience and trust God with the time table of everything, my life included. It does appear that things are reaching a crescendo, but there have been other times in history that people felt the same thing. In any case, I will personally see my Lord in no more than 30 years or so. Until that time, I am to be active at whatever tasks He sets for me, and trust Him with it all.

Father, I do pray for Mr. Goto’s family, and I also pray for the many thousands of Your children who are undergoing severe trials all over the world. I pray that You would give them a revelation of Your sovereignty and an assurance of Your salvation for them that will bring a peace that indeed surpasses human understanding. (Philippians 4:7) I pray that Your Holy Spirit would be poured out on them in comfort and power. I pray that Your Name would be hallowed and Your kingdom come as Your will is done, throughout this earth as perfectly as it is in heaven. Thank You. Hallelujah!