Considering what is happening today, not only here in our country, but around the world, and particularly in the bombing of Yugoslavia, one has to wonder whether we are in the last days prior to theTribulation, of which the Bible refers to. Taking that together with what is being propagated with respect to the Y2K situation, then we can see why there should be much concern. But, my friends, thisconcern should not be so much with regard to whether I'm prepared financially, materially, or as theLord Jesus says in Luke 21:34 with the "cares of this life", but whether if I am prepared to meet God(cp. Amos 4:12). Above everything else, this should be my main concern!

    I know that every believer should love the appearing of our precious Savior (2 Timothy4:8); and for sure that is our "blessed hope" (Titus2:13) in Him coming back; yet we have to ask ourselves whether we are ready to meet our Lord and God. Of course, I'm not referring to our salvation; for we are "saved with an everlasting salvation" (Isaiah 45:17), and nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:39), but since "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10), we must all be prepared to meet our God so that "when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming" (1 John 2:28). Oh, beloved brethren, I tremble of what I have to give an account of!

    Now, it is not a question of what is going to, or might, happen at the beginning of the year 2000. We just have to remember that God is still in control; no matter what! Beloved, there is absolutely nothing that will take place apart from the sovereign and determining will of God; for as He says in Isaia46:9-11: "I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times that things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it"; or even as king Nebuchadnezzar recognized that "all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and (God) doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" (Daniel 4:35) "according to the purpose of him whoworketh all things after the counsel of his own will" (Ephesians 1:11). Oh, may our confidence be as thePsalmist's as he sings, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah" (46:1-3). HALLELUJAH!!!

    Don't misunderstand me! I'm not trying to make less, or nothing, of people being concern or frightened because of what they are being told of what might happen and take place due to the Y2K situation. On the contrary, I'm concerned for those that are being told these things because what I generally see and hear is that the focus is being put on what they should do to be prepared for Y2 instead of being reminded that "he that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge an my fortess: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday..." (Psalm 91:1-6ff.). Oh, yes, beloved, the believer by having "his heart...fixed, trusting in the LORD,...shall not be afraid of evil tidings" (Psalm 112:7) because he knows "that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28); and so therefore, can say with the Psalmist: "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee" (56:3).

    It's true that things might really get serious, or "bad", due to the Y2K problem; and I'm not belittling or condemning those that believe that they have to prepare themselves for it, one way or another; but I do take issue with those that seem to emphasize, if not directly at least by implication, that their only hope to get through the Y2K is to hoard up on food and other necessities of life, financial security, or insurances, etc. What has happened to trusting in the Lord for all things? Beloved, I don't think that I'm being too simplistic! Doesn't the Lord tell us to "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things (i.e. food, drink, clothing, etc.) shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33)? Or isn't it true what Paul says in Philippians 4:19 - "But my God shall suppy all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus"? I, for my part, do believe that just as the ravens fed Elijah (ref. to 1 Kings17:4,6; cp. 19:4-8), God is still able to take care of His people in their most desperate situations. So what I say is that our heavenly Father will never leave us or forsake us; no matter what happens! "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Luke 12:6,7). AMEN!!!