PHILADELPHIA (BRN) – In our society, it has become normal to be discouraged by the events that occur around us.
As of this writing, there are multiple, devastating wars going on around the world as well as raging wildfires and targeted assassinations (and attempts). Even the New Year started with a deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans.
And, though sorrowful to admit, it is likely that by the time this is published, another great tragedy will have already occurred.
God’s words in Psalm 53 seem particularly applicable to our current events:
“The fool says in his heart ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. God looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one” (Psalm 53:1-3, ESV).
There is, indeed, much to be distressed about. As believers, we know what God’s world is intended to look like, and ours, sadly, falls far short.
As we look around the world, there are millions and millions of people who have never heard the gospel, and many more will go to a Christless eternity in 2025. This is discouraging.
But, there is much hope, joy and, yes, optimism to be had about our current earthly situation and the status of the Great Commission as we wait for God’s Kingdom to fully come on earth.
God’s sovereign plan is over all
Even in the midst of man’s evil schemes, plans, and actions, God works through such things to glorify Himself. God says to Pharaoh, “But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth” (Exodus 9:16, ESV).
Although Pharaoh acted of his own will, God was using him to accomplish His own purpose: the salvation of the Israelites.
In Acts 17, Paul proclaims to the pagan Athenians that God “made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:26-27, ESV).
God allows the evil we see in the world, because, ultimately, it will lead to salvation for many, and glory for Him. When terrible things happen, we can have confidence that, although not condoned in any way by God, He will use even the worst tragedies to bring people into relationship with Him.
Our new humanity in Christ
When Adam sinned, the image of God in him was tarnished. And so, every one of us, while possessing the image of God, falls very far short of what God had in mind when He said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26, ESV).
But, there is good news: In the New Testament, Christ is described as being the image of God, and we bear his image. Thus, through Christ, the image of God has been fully restored in us!
Christ is the start of a new, perfect humanity, and we are a part of that new humanity.
Even though we continue to be tempted by the flesh, and commit sins, we seek to live a life worthy of the calling with which we have been called (Ephesians 4:1). Because of the work of the Holy Spirit, we have the ability to live a Christ-centered, gospel-proclaiming life. We can have confidence that in Christ we have a firm, sure identity as God’s own possession and chosen people.
The continual work of the Holy Spirit
Another reason to be hopeful is that the Holy Spirit has not stopped working, not even for a moment.
In the hearts of believers, He is continually sanctifying us, making us more like Christ, making us more and more into a totally new creation in Christ. He also intercedes on our behalf, according to His divine will for us, which leads to our joy and God’s glory.
He is also continually drawing unbelievers closer and closer to Christ, making them aware of their need for the gospel. Jesus speaking of the Spirit says, “when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment…when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:8,13, ESV)
Without this third person of God, salvation is impossible. But, the Spirit is not stingy with His calling! As we see people fully grasp the gospel and believe in Christ, the Holy Spirit regenerates and washes them, allowing them to start a new, spiritual life.
Lord Jesus is coming back
Finally, our hope is fully set on the reality that Christ will surely return.
In fact, he says that he is coming soon (Revelation 22:7). He will judge all the world, including those who perpetuate the great evil we see in it today. All injustice, all pain, all sorrow, and all sin will be done away with (Revelation 21:4).
The dwelling place of God will be with us, and we believers will be in the physical presence of God… even seeing Him face to face (Revelation 22:4). All our existence will be as God fully intends it to be.
At this point you may be asking: “but how does this relate to missions? I thought this column was about missions?!”
When we understand the riches and depth of the Father’s sovereignty, our new humanity and identity in Christ and the indescribable, continual work of the Spirit, then we cannot help but rush headlong to tell others about the magnificence of our God.
The work of God does not just continue in us, but through us.
Through us, God’s eternal plan is being worked out. In the preaching of the Word, the sharing of the gospel message, the service of others, etc., God is using us to achieve His purposes in the world. What an incredible thought!
We, who were once enemies of God and in total hostility against Him, now are the means by which He is saving the lost and making disciples of His from all the nations.
Although it is tempting to become discouraged or cynical about the events around us, we as God’s children have much to be happy about.
In this New Year of 2025, let us walk in victory, confidence and optimism in the work of God, knowing who we are in Christ Jesus, how much God loves us and that the Holy Spirit will continually work in us and through us.
“Missions Minded” is a new monthly column written by Jack Elliot, Missions Mobilizer for Nehemiah Teams. Each month, Jack will explore a different topic or spiritual discipline and relate it to the field of missions – a field close to his heart! For any questions or more information about how you and your church can get involved in impacting the nations, please feel free to contact Jack at jctn@protonmail.com.