"At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people–everyone whose name is found written in the book–will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens.
Daniel 12:1-3a
Look Ahead with Confidence
What's ahead for us? Considering the times, many are asking this question. Everyone has an opinion. But no one really knows except our sovereign Lord. And here's what he knows: The days ahead for God's people are going to be extremely difficult. In fact, "there will be a time of distress such as has not happened" (Daniel 12:1).
Some hear of the trouble ahead and scoff. Others are scared. What's your reaction?
If you scoff, don't be so overconfident. "The Flood" and "Sodom and Gomorrah" are striking examples for those who don't take God and his word seriously. Recall what happened to those who thought nothing would happen. They suffered "shame and everlasting contempt."
If you are scared, don't despair. Remain faithful to your Lord and Savior and he will carry you through:
• You have help from the archangel Michael, who is actively working behind the scenes, thwarting the devil's schemes and defending you for God's good.
• You have the promise that you will be delivered. Jesus promises in John 14 that he will come back to take you to be with him in heaven. Your personal name is written in the book of life.
• You have the certainty that you will rise from the dead on the Last Day, and through faith you will share in the triumph of that day. You can be certain of this because Jesus destroyed the power of death at his resurrection.
• You have a glorious future waiting for you where there will be no more distressing times. You can be sure of this because by grace "you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15).
What's ahead for us? Trouble to be sure. But triumph too.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to look ahead with confidence in your promises. Amen.
This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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