Things are getting pretty bleak on this side of eternity, but that does not mean we get depressed or lose hope. It just means that things are pretty bleak. Changes in the world’s situation have no affect on the truth about Christ and His promises to never leave us or forsake us. God does not pull the rug out from under His church. We are His bride, remember? He is preparing us for marriage. The reception will be in heaven. God is not playing tricks on anyone. God is a loving, doting Father and Jesus is a faithful husband.

If anything, it may be that we are watching the beginning of the end. In which case   the news will be getting even better for us as the ones who are eagerly awaiting Christ’s return.

It matters not what the future holds; we work right up to the end. Whether the end is the end of our lifetime or the return of Christ, it doesn’t matter. It’s the same thing, and our job is to occupy until that time. Our job remains the same regardless. We are recovering what the church was, what it is, and what it must be; we are recapturing the call to make disciples; we are reaching the whole world with the Gospel of Welcome; and we are reactivating the new covenant — the fact that everything comes from God and nothing comes from us except to show up and believe that God will work through us by faith.

So given all that, these are incredible days. The worst of times draws out the best in us, and the best in us is His Holy Spirit, so we can’t go wrong.

So whatever you do, don’t be afraid. Fear undermines faith, and we need all the faith we can call up. The Lord does all of this. He gives us all the faith we need; we need only act on it.

Whatever happens, this is not the time to sleep or retire or sign off. We are plugged in, turned on, engaged with the world around us and looking for opportunities to introduce everyone, everywhere, to the Gospel of Welcome — Grace Turned Outward.