Are you ready for the understatement of the week?  The world is really messed up.  Whether you blame politicians (of either party), global warming, Muslims, Christians, jaywalkers or whatever; you must admit – the world is really messed up.  Here is something you may not have thought of:  It is supposed to be this way.  Don’t believe me?  Read your Bible:

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,  while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
                                                                                                                               2 Timothy 3:12-13 (ESV)
Read that again, go ahead, I’ll wait…..

….Not very optimistic is it?  If you think things are bad now, wait.  Or as my dad is famous for saying; “Cheer up, it could be worse.”  I cheered up and sure enough, it got worse.  What is a body to do?  Fortunately Paul did not leave Timothy hanging:

 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it  and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.             2 Timothy 3:14-15 (ESV)

Paul encourages us to continue in what we learned and firmly believe.  I believe God is in control that nothing of what is happening either globally or to me as a seemingly insignificant individual escapes His notice.  I believe this is all happening with His full knowledge, permission, and does not ruin His plans.  I believe that eventually, no matter how much worse it gets, His people will be with Him eternally when He returns for us (whether that is before, during or after all the Tribulation).  I believe He has placed us here now, for the purpose of being His example of His power and His ability to redeem (even the worst of the worst).  I believe – I WILL SERVE HIM and will learn to serve Him more and better every day.

No matter what.