If you’re struggling to understand the increasing chaos in the world, I encourage you to take a moment to read this. I share this because I genuinely care about people and believe that each individual is incredibly important. What follows may sound unconventional, but if it resonates with you, it was meant for you:
A profound opportunity is being offered by God to those who have yet to believe in Him. Jesus spoke of many signs that would precede His return to Earth, where He will rescue His followers and judge both the living and the deceased. While no one knows the exact time of Jesus' return, there will be significant global events that serve as indicators. The Bible states:
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“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty” (2 Timothy 3:1). If you continue reading that chapter, you may find a striking reflection of the mindset prevalent during these challenging times. The Scriptures say:
“Only fools say to themselves, ‘There is no God.’ People like that do bad and evil things. None of them do things that are good and right. The Lord is looking down from heaven. He looks at the people of the world, to see if there are any wise people among them. Is there anyone who wants to know God?” (Psalms 14:1-2)
The choice to know God is deeply personal and, admittedly, not a popular notion today. Yet, it is the most crucial decision you will ever make. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I do trust in the Holy Scriptures. Many, like myself, grew up around religion but have since turned away from it. I can relate to that journey.
I attended church for many years, but I was merely following others rather than seeking God for myself. Externally, I appeared religious, but internally, I felt unchanged. I didn’t realize that truly embracing God was as simple as accepting the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for humanity’s sins, a condition inherited from Adam and Eve, who sinned against God at the dawn of creation. Their actions led to the brokenness we see in the world today. Before sin entered, there was no hunger, sickness, strife, or death. By the time I grasped this truth, I was in my twenties, living far from my family in Massachusetts, and not attending any religious gatherings. Despite having a good job and financial stability, I felt an emptiness inside.
One day, while sitting in my car after work, I heard a man on the radio explain how God wanted a personal relationship with me. In that moment, it felt as if my eyes were opened. I prayed, asking Jesus to come into my life, fully surrendering to Him and acknowledging my need for salvation. This may sound unbelievable, but that was the moment I truly began to live. Shortly after, I married an incredible woman, and we have been happily together for many years.
I’m not saying my life became perfect or free of pain, but it became complete. Everything began to fall into place, gaining purpose and meaning. I face struggles in this chaotic world, just like you. However, my relationship with God provides an anchor as we approach the day of His return. Jesus said, “In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” You might wonder, “How did Jesus overcome the world?” He did so 2,000 years ago by coming to Earth as a man and willingly dying on the cross to pay the sin-debt owed by all of us. This debt could only be settled by a sinless, holy person—no one else could fulfill that role but Jesus.
The following Bible verses can guide you in understanding God’s redemptive plan for humanity and your relationship with Jesus Christ, His Son:
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The following Bible verses can guide you in understanding God’s redeeming plan for humanity, a relationship with Jesus Christ, God’s Son:
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Romans 3:23
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 5:8
“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 10:9-10
“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
Romans 10:13
For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
When I finally received Jesus into my life, I said something to Him similar to the prayer below. But you can speak to Him in your own way in response to His holy Scriptures written above. He will listen.
Heavenly Father, I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, and that He died on the cross to save me from my sin. I believe that He rose again to life, and that He invites me to live forever with Him in heaven as part of Your family. Because of what Jesus has done, I ask You to forgive me of my sin and give me eternal life. I invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord. Help me to live in a way that pleases and honors You. Amen.