And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives. (Luke 21:9-19 ESV)
Your opportunity. That is what is in the middle of all the wars and disasters and persecutions. That is what life will include, until He comes. Rather than being filled with fear or wanting to flee, we need to "settle it in our minds" that we will not allow ourselves to be overcome, but we will respond to these things with faith in Him to give the wisdom and words we need to face life's challenges. What an opportunity to have Him work in us!
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