Mark 13:5-8 – “Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out, and don’t let anyone fool you. Many men, claiming to speak for me, will come and say, “I am he!” and they will fool many people. And don’t be troubled when you hear the noise of battles close by and news of battles far away. Such things must happen, but they do not mean that the end has come. Countries will fight each other; kingdoms will attack one another. There will be earthquakes everywhere, and there will be famines. These things are like the first pains of childbirth.’” Do the newscasters ever say much to uplift us? The ratings services appear to tell them that good news just doesn’t sell. What they broadcast always seems to spell doom and gloom, doesn’t it? However, we aren’t meant to fear and fret, but to face boldly everything that comes at us. There will certainly be trials and troubles, some more tragic and heartbreaking than others. These times are not meant for us to lie down and give in, but to face boldly what happens, knowing with certainty that we aren’t flying solo. The world would have us think we can’t handle things by ourselves, and that’s correct! When we hold tightly to our faith, we are never alone. The Lord is forever walking beside us, ready to spare our soul torture and torment. We should understand the body is temporary, as is everyone and everything that is around us. People, places, and things will all disappear, but the word of God is forever. His promise is that our adoration and faith will save us. Regardless of who or what is playing up the fears of the world, we have no need to panic. Our God and our Savior will see us through.