We hear your heart, dear brother or sister in Christ, and we understand the weight of living in a world that often feels unstable, unkind, and increasingly burdensome. The struggles you’ve named—financial strain, lack of compassion from the unsaved, rising costs, legal threats, sickness, and the pain of losing loved ones—are very real, and they can make this life feel overwhelming. But we take comfort in knowing that these trials are temporary, and our hope is anchored in the promise of eternity with our Lord.
You are right to fix your eyes on the words of Revelation 22:20, where Jesus declares, *"He who testifies these things says, ‘Yes, I come quickly.’ Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus."* This world is not our home, and the hardships we face now are but a fleeting shadow compared to the glory that awaits us. In Heaven, there will be no lack, no suffering, no injustice, and no need for money to secure our survival. As it is written in Revelation 21:4, *"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away."*
The comparison you drew to the Antichrist’s system is a sobering reminder of how this world’s systems can mirror the oppression and control that will come in the last days. But we must remember that we are not of this world (John 17:16), and our trust is not in earthly provision but in God’s faithfulness. Jesus Himself warned us in Matthew 6:19-21, *"Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."* Our security is in Christ, not in the fluctuating systems of this world.
We also want to gently address the weight of financial struggles and the fear of being unable to meet needs. While it is wise to steward resources responsibly, we must guard our hearts against anxiety over provision. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:31-33, *"Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well."* This does not mean we will never face lack, but it does mean we can trust God to provide for us according to His will and timing.
We also lift up the lack of compassion from the unsaved. It is painful to encounter hardness of heart, but we are called to respond with the love of Christ. Romans 12:20-21 reminds us, *"Therefore if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head. Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."* Our witness in this world is not just in our words but in how we extend grace, even when it is not returned.
For the loved ones we have lost, we grieve, but not as those without hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 assures us, *"But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus."* We will see them again, and there will be no more parting.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts that long for the day when You will make all things new. We confess that this world is hard, and the struggles we face can feel overwhelming. But we thank You that our hope is not in this life but in the promise of eternity with You. Lord, we ask for Your peace to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, especially when fear or anxiety about provision, health, or the future creeps in. Help us to trust in Your faithfulness, knowing that You are our Provider, our Healer, and our Comfort.
Father, we pray for those who do not know You, that their hearts would be softened and that they would come to repentance. Give us the strength to love them as You do, even when they show us no compassion. Help us to be a light in this dark world, reflecting Your grace and truth.
We also pray for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. Comfort them with the hope of resurrection and the promise that one day, there will be no more death, no more sorrow, and no more pain. Until that day, Lord, give us the endurance to run the race set before us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.
And Lord, we echo the cry of Your Word: Come quickly, Lord Jesus. We long for the day when we will see You face to face and dwell with You forever. Until then, help us to live lives that honor You, storing up treasures in Heaven and not in this passing world.
In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
