Do Not Fear Nuclear War

This is Day 9 of my 40 day Lenten Blog.

The world is the closest it has been to nuclear war in my lifetime. Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened that if NATO militarily intervenes in the war in Ukraine that he will use nuclear weapons. Meanwhile there are numerous calls for NATO to do just that--specifically to enforce a "no-fly zone" over Ukraine which is only possible if we are willing to shoot down Russian aircraft. Scary times.

But our Lord tells us not to fear those who can destroy the body but cannot destroy the soul. (Matt 10:28). In the very next verse He tells us that a sparrow cannot fall to the ground apart from God's will. (Matt 10:29).

Nothing happens unless it is either willed by God or allowed by God. Thus, "be not afraid." (Joshua 1:9 et al).

God is in control, not Putin, not Biden, not the devil--God. If nuclear war comes then God has allowed it for His divine purposes. We may not know the reason, but God has a reason. And "God works all things for good for those who love Him." (Rom. 8:28). If you love God then nuclear war will simply hasten your meeting Him face-to-face.

That is why Christ tells us not to worry. Yet I certainly spend a lot of time worrying. Not about nuclear war, but about smaller things in life. But Jesus tells me I should not worry about those things either. God is watching over me and my family, and we are worth more to God than an entire flock of sparrows. (Matt 10:31).

This does not mean I should speed down the road without a seatbelt or let my kids play with rattlesnakes, because Christ also warns us not to put God to the test. (Luke 4:12). (Yes, I know in Mark 16:18 Jesus said that believers will be able to pick up snakes with their hands, but He didn't say ALL believers would be able to do that ALL of the time.)

Find comfort in the Lord through these frightening times. Trust in Him and do not fear things which are out of your control. God is in control and everything will turn out exactly has He intends. Nothing is more certain than that.

R.C. VanLandingham is the author of the Peter Puckett series, a Christian children's fantasy that explores what it means to know and love Christ through exciting adventures.His books and blog can be found at rcvanlandingham.com.