THE COMING STORM

 

Jill Soto

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The Coming Storm …

Substantial changes are coming to America, and perhaps this would be a good time to sit down and meditate for a few minutes on these changes from a Christian perspective. Storm clouds have darkened the horizon. A "perfect storm" is swirling offshore with tremendous energy and it will make landfall in a short time. The power within this storm should not be underestimated. Whatever can be blown away will disappear.

According to the book of Daniel, we have reached "the appointed time of the end." The world has reached a time when national and global problems are so large and complex that there is no solution without enormous carnage. Do not be alarmed. God is very much aware of our situation. He knows our limitations, our self-inflicted problems, and that another world war is inevitable. The Bible predicts a cry for "peace and safety" will rise before the Great Tribulation begins. (1 Thessalonians 5:3)

Politicians and pastors would have us "think positive thoughts" and embrace optimism about a better future but no amount of optimism and positive thinking (as important as they are) can change what is coming. They may not have identified the storm, but this perfect storm is coming and words cannot describe the outcome. I am reminded of that gospel song, "In times like these we need a Savior." Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me." (John 14:1)

A "perfect storm" is defined as a storm when several atmospheric conditions align changing an ordinary storm into an epic storm that is not easily forgotten. Using the analogy of a perfect storm, I believe three conditions have developed and when viewed together, they could easily produce a "perfect storm" that could ignite World War III.

Condition #1: Too many nations are bankrupt. Most of the developed nations of the world are in various stages of bankruptcy. The U.S. is bankrupt. The middle class is disappearing and the poor are getting poorer. There is no financial solution or possible means for recovery. I am not being fatalistic or pessimistic. God foreknew these details thousands of years ago.

Consider God’s ways for a moment: Men do not create nations. (Romans 13:1-5) God creates each nation according to His purposes. (Daniel 2:21) Nations are living organisms, too complex and diverse for a group of finite people (any government) to manage. Therefore, the welfare of each nation depends upon that nation’s relationship with God. If a nation exalts righteous principles, God blesses that nation with prosperity. (Psalm 33:12) When a nation turns it back on righteousness, God removes His blessings and the woeful results of greed, idolatry, sexual immorality, mismanagement, and dysfunction begin. (Galatians 5:19-21; 6:7) Over time, a dysfunctional house becomes divided and Sovereign God destroys it. (Daniel 4:17; Jeremiah 25:12,13) There you have it. The rise and fall of nations have been explained in one short paragraph.

The current situation in the U.S. is not unique. All the richest nations have the same financial woes as the U.S. and each is afflicted with the same greed, idolatry, sexual immorality, and mismanagement. Therefore, most nations are trying the same things to recover from bankruptcy that the U.S. is now doing. This "lemming-like" behavior by the nations to resolve financial problems will only produce a "lemming-like" result. The lemmings are famous because once a year they madly chase each other past the edge of a cliff, fall into the ocean, and all drown together.

Condition #2: World Reserve Currency. There is another silent development taking place in the world that could bring about the ruin of the global economy. We have had the good fortune of having and controlling the world’s reserve currency. The dollar has been considered the largest and the most stable currency in the world. Lately, the world reserve currency scene has been changing. When the U.S. dollar is no longer deemed desirable as a reserve currency, what nation will buy U.S. bonds and Treasury Bills and loan money to the U.S.? Other nations will not loan money to a country whose economy is not secure and cannot repay existing loans.

Condition #3: World Food Supply. Because the population of the world is relentlessly growing (over 7 billion people now), it is causing an increased need for commodities such as food, oil, metals, and building materials. Exports are limited and nations typically ration their exports, taking care of their own needs first. Although nations import and export food supplies on a regular basis, there could be a sinister component within this process. For example, what happens if/when an exporting country suddenly decides that it is not in its best interest to export food? Could this be regarded as an act of war? It certainly is a possibility. And many years, nations have been frustrated with Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Iran’s hatred for Israel is well documented. Israel has warned Iran that it will not stand by and allow its avowed enemy to build an atomic bomb. Many believe this could be the trigger that could bring about a nuclear exchange, but it could be something as simple as food or economic default. Because all nations are competing for the necessities of life (commodities extracted from Earth), any circumstance or political policy that causes the disruption of life within or among the nations could be grounds for war. As the demand for commodities rises, so does the price along with the misery index for the middle and poor classes. When the misery index reaches an intolerable level, anger and frustration will boil over, and rioting and looting will begin. When social order breaks down, martial law will become necessary. Every nation anticipates war either within or outside its borders. No one knows when the trigger will be pulled, but every nation knows war is always a strong possibility.

Nothing we can do will prevent the perfect storm, from occurring. Absolutely nothing.

Regardless of what occurs, abide in Christ. If we abide in Jesus each day and we humbly seek to know His will in our lives, the Holy Spirit will lead and impress us to do what Jesus wants done. Remember, we cannot save ourselves from the Great Tribulation. If we abide in Christ, we will love our neighbors enough to be helpful and useful as the Lord leads. The Great Tribulation will bring about conditions that will allow the gospel to be told and repeated many times as it focuses on the gospel of Jesus which brings peace, joy, and serenity. Memorize the following verses and repeat them often.

Jesus said: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3)

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19,20)

These words are God’s truth-filled reminders to us, and when peace is in short supply, they will shore up our faith and give us courage for the coming storm.