With the death toll at 129 and 352 others wounded, ISIS heads must be having a good laugh after the terrorist attacks in Paris this past weekend.
Undoubtedly, these people believe that they now have a special place in heaven after perpetrating such dastardly and evil acts in the name of Allah. They are rejoicing because they are creating an aura of fear worldwide.
But here’s a little newsflash for you. You’ve already lost the battle. You just don’t know it yet.
For those who have fully put their trust in Jesus Christ, the victory is ours. We already know the end result, and so does Satan. We win. Done. Over and out. See ya.
No doubt these radical Islamists take extreme pleasure in creating terror in hearts of those who will not submit to them and their deception. It may appear as though their efforts are prospering, but we should take to heart Luke 18:7, “And shall not God avenge His own elect and be patient with them, who cry day and night to Him? (MEV).
The enemy’s plan is to disrupt everyday life for those who do not bow down to him, and fear certainly can do that. Just ask many in Israel, who now are looking over their shoulder during a simple trip to the grocery store in fear of being stabbed or shot.
No matter what the secular media says, don’t delude yourself—it’s that bad over there, my friend Jonathan Feldstein tells me.
The good news for us is the Word of God says we do not have to be afraid. Certainly nobody wants to die, especially of a beheading or any other gruesome act at the hands of one the devil’s armies (ISIS). For one, I have too much to live for and too much to do for the Lord to be cut down before my time.
But that’s why we can rejoice in Psalm 37:1, which says, “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be jealous of those who do injustice. For they will quickly wither like the grass and fade like the green herbs” (MEV).
Or how about Romans 8:31, which assures us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” And then there is Psalm 138:7, which says, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will preserve me; You stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand saves me.”
Do you get the unifying message of these Scriptures?
Another friend of mine whom I have gotten to know through the wonder of instant messaging, Qasim (an assumed name for his protection), pastors a small congregation in Pakistan. He and his flock are under constant persecution, but as he tells me, “God is our shield. All our hopes are on God. He will send an angel for us who will help us. One day we will all be free in heaven, but we must trust Him now for his divine protection. Our government is a partner of the Taliban, so that should tell you that worshiping Jesus is not smiled upon.”
And then there’s Shant in Syria, yet another pastor whom I’ve come to know through the Internet. He and his congregation are constantly harassed for their Christian beliefs. Yet, Qasim’s and Shant’s courage, and that of their congregations, never waver in the face of constant persecution.
By the way, Qasim and his people need Bibles in their native language of Urdu. Would you be willing to help? Please inquire in the comments section.
If Qasim, Shant and their people won’t give into the fear terrorism, how should we handle it? It’s only a matter of time before ISIS and other terrorist groups turn their attention to America. Don’t give them the upper hand by living in fear.
Won’t you put your trust FULLY in the Lord and His promises, and fear Him instead of anything the world can throw at you?
And as I always like to say, “there is that.” {eoa}
