Submitted by Pastor Kailea Nauman, First Christian Church

As we look at the world around us we can see that there is a lot of bad news. Historic flooding, political fallouts, wars and rumors of wars. We can look at these events and feel fear or hopelessness. What could we do in these situations, especially when they are so far away from us?

We are not hopeless and we can replace that fear with faith in Christ and that helps us feel peace in any situation we might face as it gives us unshakeable hope in the one that created all things and gives us life.

John 16:33 says, “These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Jesus tells us that this world will bring many troubles and trials. Remember Jesus’ life was also one of many trials and that resulted in His death on a cross. But because of His sacrifice and His resurrection we have hope, life and peace in Him not in a world that is passing away.

We offer prayer for those who are hurting, those who grieve, those who are sick and mourning. We become the hands and feet of Jesus here. Remembering that Jesus fed the hungry, laid hands on the sick and offered healing. He sought the lost and the brokenhearted. Those who were addicted and afflicted. He delivered them, healed them and gave them peace.

Jesus said, “Even greater things will you do.”

He was talking to His Disciples, so if we are Disciples of Christ, if we belong to Him, then we imitate Him. We go to the hurting and lost and we serve them like Christ did. Don’t feel helpless but instead step into what you’re called to. The Lord has a purpose and a plan for your life, and it is not to live in fear or hopelessness but instead to be His hands and feet, to bring others to know the love of Christ that saves, heals, delivers and sets us free.

So when we see these things going on in the world that grieve our hearts, know that it grieves the heart of the Father, too. Maybe we can’t serve in places that have been ravaged by flooding or wildfires, but we certainly can get involved in our own communities. We can volunteer at the food pantry, visit the nursing home, we can offer prayer to those who need it, we can be His hands and His feet in our world that desperately needs Him too.

Don’t feel hopeless but offer hope to the people around you by spreading the light and love of Jesus Christ.