Joy Through Troubled Times – The Presidential Prayer Team

There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves. – Luke 21:25

Few like to think about horrible things predicted during the end times: wars, rumors of wars, natural disasters, persecution of believers in Christ, and international distress and confusion. Yet the words in Luke 21 offer encouragement.

When Jesus was about to be crucified, He told the disciples it was like a woman in labor (John 16:21). Though they would grieve at His death they would rejoice at His resurrection. And concerning the end times, though there is distress and pain for a season, there will be joy at His return. As a mother rejoices at the birth of her baby, the church will rejoice at redemption, when Jesus returns and puts all things right.

In Luke 21, Jesus tells what His people should and should not do when these prophecies come to pass. Don’t be led astray (v. 8). “Do not be terrified” (v.9). If arrested for your faith, trust God to give you wisdom to reply (v. 14-15). Be faithful. “By your endurance you will gain your lives” (v. 19). “Straighten up and raise your heads” watching for your redemption (v. 28). Be alert and pray for strength to escape persecution (v. 36).

In troubled times it is important to focus on the overall plan, salvation in Christ, and His return. Pray for those who have yet to receive Him. Pray for the ministries who work to maintain the freedoms of religion and speech in the United States. Pray for the restoration of godly principles. Pray for strength and wisdom to stand firm in faith and trust in the Lord during difficult times.

Today’s Verse: Luke 21:25

And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: John 16:16-24

¹⁶“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” ¹⁷So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” ¹⁸So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” ¹⁹Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? ²⁰Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. ²¹When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. ²²So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. ²³In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. ²⁴Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.