Lots of people push this viewpoint. You really need to see what God says about the future!

“For the things we see now will soon be gone,

but the things we cannot see will last forever.”

II Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT

What do we do when the news we continually see and hear forces fear into our hearts and almost hurts to get a deep, satisfying breath? What happens when bad news is added to news already messing with your mind?

What if you haven’t heard an encouraging word for weeks… maybe months?

I am pretty sure I can help you out, but I need to quiz you a bit first.

Question #1: Where do you get your news?

Question #2: Who are you listening to on a regular basis?

Question #3: Do you have any friends who make you feel better when you’re around them?

Question #4: Been to church lately? Regularly attend a Bible study or home group?

I have a bone to pick with almost all newscasts. Drama carries more weight than the news stories themselves. All stories raise alarms – about the upcoming weather upheavals, stories about food shortages and higher prices.

We’re warned that war, destruction and chaos will soon (or already has) joined the general lawlessness and murder rates in our nation. Now add to this the fact that some of those close to us love to repeat the already sad news cycle to anyone who will listen. They’re sure everything  will get much worse before finally collapsing.

We’re frightened because we react to whatever news we’re hearing and heeding.

Couple of more questions: Have you read your Bible recently? Are you aware that along with Satan’s designs for our planet, God also has plans that have been in the works since creation? He’s not returning to pick the Church up off the ground and check to see if we can still stand. His plan is to come to a strong, faith-filled glorious Church without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:25-27).

It’s true that we will be living in some very difficult times before Jesus returns. His pronouncements of what will take place are easily seen today. But that doesn’t mean we lose heart, give up and climb a mountain to escape. We are alive right here and right now because God needs us to stand strong for righteousness with a sense of purpose and direction to our lives.

So don’t give up. God’s news for us is unlike any you may have been absorbing!

^“That is why we never give up… For our present troubles are small and

won’t last very long. Yet they are producing for us a glory that will last forever!

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather,

we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.”

II Corinthians 4:15-18 NLT