History is full of times that were difficult for believers—indeed many millions of Christians are being persecuted in our generation. But Christians in America have been living in a sort of bubble. Because of our constitutional rights, we have freedoms not enjoyed in other countries.
There have been terrible times before, but it seems God came through in answer to prayer. Fifty years ago in the hippie era, the Jesus movement (which impacted me) brought millions of rebellious young people to faith in Christ. We now live in a post-Christian culture. Today, evil is called good, and good is called evil. That’s the essence of a culture that’s upside down.
While many of us believe God raised up America, let’s face it, the nation is becoming more and more evil and deserves to be judged. It’s not fun to think about, but we may face persecution in this country. Some Christians already have been cancelled on social media for posting Scripture verses.
If we believe the Bible, we know persecution will come. The question is whether we will see it in our lifetime. Christians over millennia have been expecting Christ to return.
Now the world is so upside down it appears what Jesus prophesied about the end of time is happening before our eyes. A one-world government, the rise of the man the Bible calls the Antichrist, and even a mark required to buy and sell seem to be the natural result of the “great reset” the World Economic Forum has called for.
We’ve looked at the Holy Spirit as the Comforter, and He is. But He’s more than a friendly Counselor who can help us with our anger issues or deal with disappointment. He can do those things in His power to help us overcome in life. But the reality is, we’re in a spiritual war. And when the tribulation comes, it will be the war of all wars.
We must prepare for battle if we are to survive, just as Navy Seals must toughen themselves in a way civilians don’t. Because of their training, those Navy Seals stand a better chance of surviving in a combat situation than you or I would!
Though the world seems to be careening toward the last days, this is not the time to become discouraged. We have the Holy Spirit, and He will never leave us nor forsake us. As Moses told Joshua, “The Lord, He goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Do not fear, nor be dismayed.”
If half the world is going to die as is prophesied, we don’t need to be afraid if we’ve given our lives to Christ. That’s the message we must proclaim: When things get bad, call on the name of Jesus, because the Bible says whoever calls on His name shall be saved.
God is our only hope. As Michael Youssef, pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, says in his book Is the End Near?: “Being a Christian in the end-time will be incredibly difficult. It will mean being hated and persecuted for your faith. But I guarantee that even if you are hunted down, abused and killed for your faith in Jesus, it will have been worth it. You will have eternal life with Jesus in heaven. When He returns, you will be full of joy at His appearing while the unsaved world despairs. Only Jesus offers true security in a collapsing world.”
The Holy Spirit can empower us to stand up to all the evil in the culture and fill us with joy, contentment and vision even in the midst of it. I sincerely believe it’s possible to experience God’s power to not only survive but thrive, even when the world is upside down.
The Holy Spirit can give us discernment about all that is happening leading to the end of time. But sadly, too many Christians are not pressing into God and are missing the real opportunity to lay hold of the victory and fullness of life available to us in Him. But it’s not too late to access this power.
You can be filled with the Spirit—or filled anew—and experience His power and presence at a greater measure than you ever thought possible.
Yes, the world is upside down. But it was upside down before we were born and it will be upside down until Christ comes to set up His kingdom during the millennial reign, as written in the book of Revelation.
Let us be encouraged, choose to be entirely led by the Spirit in new and fresh ways—launch out into the deep and experience the power and strength that come only from knowing Christ in a deep way.
Stephen Strang has seen major changes in the church, the culture and technology since he founded Charisma magazine in 1975. In addition to being CEO of Charisma Media, he hosts a Strang Report podcast live on YouTube and Rumble at 4 p.m. EST every Tuesday and Thursday. His important new book Spirit-Led Living in an Upside-World is available wherever fine Christian books are sold. You can get a copy signed by the author online at mycharismashop.com.
