If you invest in the stock market, you try to predict the future. We do this by combing yesterday’s results and today’s news. It doesn’t work. Instead of predictability, we get volatility. This is certainly true for the last several months. In fact, the last 6 months have produced significant losses. Maybe it is time to sell? You know how the pros answer. They say, “stay the course.” In other words, “do not be alarmed.” Wait, what? I am about to lose everything that I have worked my whole life for and you tell me not to panic? How can this be good advice?
Today, in Matthew 24, Jesus tells us the same thing. No, not about the stock market. Jesus is talking about our faith. “We’ve been going along pretty well lately,” he tells his disciples, “but bad things are going to happen. I can’t tell you exactly what they are but droughts and earthquakes will be part of it. People are going to be suffering and hurting. “Even worse,” he says, “everyone will blame you.” That’s right, “all of this will happen and they will come after you. You may be thrown into jail. It’s even probable that you will be tortured.”
Why is Jesus telling us all of this? To prepare us. He says it this way, “when all of this happens, do not be alarmed.” In other words, “don’t panic.” No, it is not time to sell! The goal has not changed!
Now, if you are like me, you still want to sell. It seems easier, and definitely safer. Tribulation garners the same reaction. So rather than panic, let’s get back to what we know to be true.
We are not alarmed when we know God is in charge – he has a plan
We are not alarmed when we put our faith in God’s plan
We are not alarmed when his glorification is more important than our well-being