“You know what I’m afraid of?” I asked the Toaster Strudel-buzzed kids in the backseat. Each morning, as I drove them to school, I’d been schooling them on the goodness and bigness of God.

“Absolutely nothin’ daddy!” They shouted with bright-eyes and bottled-up anticipation. “Because God is strong and faithful!”

For those who know God, His Words reassure us that this is no time to be afraid. The truth of the matter is, most of the things our world is in turmoil about, Jesus told us, must happen.

When you hear of wars and insurrections (disturbances, disorder, and confusion), do not become alarmed and panic-stricken and terrified; for all this must take place first, but the end will not [come] immediately. Then He told them, nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be mighty and violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences (plagues: malignant and contagious or infectious epidemic diseases which are deadly and devastating); and there will be sights of terror and great signs from heaven.

This will be a time (an opportunity) for you to bear testimony.

~ Luke 21:9-11, 13 (AMPC) ~

This isn't the first time Satan has been convinced he's in the driver's seat. Remember his smugness on that Friday afternoon when Jesus was hanging on the cross? He was so sure his plans had worked. Then, three days later, precisely as Jesus had promised, the Life of the Father demolished the hold of darkness, sin, and death itself! Jesus Christ threw off principalities and powers and was raised from the grave.

Oh, and I can’t forget to mention, come to find out, Lucifer had been fulfilling his role perfectly the entire time. Later, the Word makes this admittance:

The wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—His plan that was previously hidden, even though He made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord.

~ 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 ~

Nothing has ever taken Jehovah Nissi (the LORD Who sees ahead of time and makes provision) by surprise. 2021 and beyond is no exception. No matter what His enemy attempts to do, God is way out-front in wisdom, power, and a good (pre)plan. God will always have an advantage over Satan because He already exists in and knows the future more perfectly than you and I know this present moment.

I have told you these things are coming, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world, you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted, and be filled with joy]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]

~ Jesus Christ, John 16:33 (AMPC)

I encourage you to take a few minutes each morning and set your heart on the presence and promises of God. He’ll surround you, protect you and empower you to live with a joy that is unspeakable and peace that passes all understanding! Can you hear Him asking, “Child of mine, do you know what I’m afraid of?”

This is no time for us to be shaking! Amid darkness and a world abounding in despair, it’s a perfect opportunity to shine His life and joy!