The End of the World?

“The Lord is at hand”

Philippians 4:5b

It has happened every time the Cubs got close to winning it all.  You start seeing all sorts of cartoons and hearing all sorts of jokes about impending doom.  “Cubs are winning, Hell is preparing for a hard winter.”  “Cubs are going to the World Series, hell has frozen over.”  Last week, after they had won, someone joked, “Wouldn’t it have been appropriate if Jesus had come back during the rain delay.  Then we would never have known if the Cubs won.”  That’s the way it has been.  The Cubs start winning and everyone assumes it’s the end of the world.”

Now all of that is obviously said in jest.  People are joking.  Far more serious, however, has been all the worry and fear surrounding the election taking place today in the USA.  Each side in this election has claimed that if the other side wins that will spell the end of America as we know it.  What I hear from many of my countrymen is real fear of what will happen regardless of who wins.  Many are disgusted with all the candidates   Many believe that the election of either one will be a disaster.   I have even encountered fear and worry from people over here in Europe.  People here are closely watching this election, very concerned about the outcome. In the last two months, as soon as someone here figures out that I am an American they start asking about the election.  They want to know what I think about who will win.  They want to know who I am going to vote for. I understand that in Mexico they have prepared themselves for severe economic troubles based on who wins the US election. People are talking and acting at times as if the result of the US election could be the end of the world.

Well, as this 2016 Election Day begins in the USA, I have some great news for everyone.  The only thing that is the end of the world IS the end of the world.  This obvious truth has been a big help to me, because I am a big worrier, prone to over-react.  AS a new young father in debt there were many times when I worried myself sick about bills.  I have stressed myself out because I was so completely afraid to do something for fear of how someone else might react.  When my dad died, I wasn’t sure how I could make it without him.  I am not the only one who goes through such moments.  I remember one man whose wife was diagnosed with cancer, another whose wife wanted a divorce, a woman whose kid were in trouble with drugs… the list goes on and on. For each one it seemed at the moment as if the world was coming to an end.  And don’t get me wrong.  Each situation was serious.  However none of them was the end of the world.  What happens in this presidential election in America is not the end of the world.  The only thing that is the end of the world is the end of the world.

Our fears and worries over this election or over anything are very revealing.  Our fears and worries reveal that you and I are at time putting our faith in the wrong things and the wrong people.  When we worry about money… when we are fearful of making plans based on a presidential election… when we feel as life will end because we lost our job, or because our spouse wants a divorce – then we are looking to saviors who cannot save us. 

Friends, we already have a savior.  His name is Jesus!  Where others will most assuredly fail us,  Jesus will not.  That’s why Paul writes what he writes here in Philippians 4. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say it rejoice.  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.  The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  That’s probably the best way to know whether your faith is place rightly or wrongly.  Put your faith in those who are sure to fail you – worry and fear will always follow.  Put your faith in Jesus and peace guards your heart.  After all you have in Him a God and savior who loves you so much He gave Himself up for you.  He conquered death.  He can do anything.  He keeps His promises.  Jesus will not fail you. 

So as you go into vote, pray and put your faith in God.  Whoever wins the election – pray for that person and put your faith in God.  After all in Jesus, even the end of the world is not something to be feared.  There is no need to worry.  With Jesus the end of the world means He is coming back!  That my friends is reason for hope.  As Jesus once said, “When these things begin to take place, look up. Lift up your heads.  Your redemption is drawing near.”   And remember today – THE ONLY THING THAT IS THE END OF THE WORLD IS THE END OF THE WORLD.