"And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled: for such things must be; but it is not the end yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there will be earthquakes in diverse places, and famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrow." Mark 13:7-8

An old song says, "In times like these, we need a Saviour; in times like these, we need and anchor; be very sure your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock."

I have, like I'm sure you have, been watching the coverage of the devastation in Haiti. Tens of thousand are dead, thousands more injured or still missing, and the despair of the people is incomprehensible to those on the outside. Hopelessness and fear are turning to violence and outrage as people wait for relief efforts hampered by the destruction. Food, water, and medical supplies are pouring in. Getting it to those who need it most is proving to be a logistical nightmare.

It never fails in a situation like this that someone who should know better decides to affix blame for it all. One popular TV minister claimed that because some 18th century Haitians "made a deal with the devil", God's judgement has rained down Port-au-Prince in 2010. A well-known actor, who apparently didn't have his writer handy, declared that it was the result of those in Copenhagen not getting that world-wide Global Warming agreement. Media commentators run the gamut from "the US is moving too slowly in relief efforts" to "the US is moving too quickly and not well-enough prepared".

Sigh.

Our world is not the victim of a curse pledged to an impotent beast, nor is it in man's hands to prevent any natural disaster by agreeing to use less gas. The events we see all around us are the fulfillment of a promise made by a promise-keeping God, incapable of falsehood, and sure to deliver on His Word. Are there wars? Yes, He said there would be. Do we see disasters, famine, and disease all around us? In every part of this planet, there is hunger, epidemic, want, and unrest. There is no hope in politics, legislation, wealth, or fame. He promised it would all come to pass, and He keeps His Word.

But, Bless His Name, that's not all He promised!

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21:28

This world shouldn't scare us or have any hold on us; the troubles we see all around us are the dark before the dawn. His peace and grace, His Word and Truth will triumph! Praise His Name!

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

He promised!