He's Not Through in Two Thousand Two
By Travis K. McSherley

Pages and papers and books (what, no movies yet?) have already been written about that most infamous of years, 2001.  During the past several weeks, recaps of those tumultuous twelve months appeared in editorials, magazine issues, television shows.  Every outlet of communication, it seemed, was bound to remind the world of events that were already permanently etched in our minds.  Even yours truly submitted to the urge to do a "year in review" column last month.  As we look back on the "year of the lives," however, people seem to be generally discouraged about the events of last year.  Those commentaries and stories more often than not placed a negative spin on 2001's events.  Who can blame them?  Natural disasters, manmade disasters, economic disasters, political disasters; 2001 was certainly littered with its share of problems.

Already, this decade has seen more turbulence, at least for Americans, than all of the 1990s.  Yet through the dark clouds that overshadowed the first year of the new millennium, all was not lost.  Clearly, the rebirth of the "American spirit" shone brightly through the thick smoke in the World Trade Center's rubble.  But even more than that, I saw God continue to work and reveal Himself in both subtle and spectacular ways -- before, during and after Sept. 11.

The more chaotic the world becomes -- and it is likely to get worse -- the more that world needs hope.  Everything on earth seems to be unstable as we press forward in this young millennium.  Diseases, technology, economies, governments, currencies, ethics -- none of them come with any guarantees of security from one day to the next.  These issues are certainly not isolated to the United States.  We've dealt with them plenty, but so have places like Argentina, Australia, Japan, Israel, India, Pakistan, Mexico, and the list goes on.

But   Nothing in the universe is so sure, so trustworthy, as its Creator.  Countries collapse and people fail, but God is not surprised.  Friends disappoint, families betray, but God's plan does not falter.  In a society fueled by stress and worry, only God can truly be a source of hope and rest.

The Lord alone knows what 2002 has in store.  Last year saw world tensions rise to a new level, but the diligent Christian will recognize God's hand still in control.  In fact, watching world events unfold, we can see pieces of God's prophetic puzzle beginning to line themselves together.  Now is a wonderful time to be alive, believe it or not.  Disorder, immorality, and chaos may rule the day, but it will all ultimately climax with our Redeemer coming to earth and taking His place as King.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.  (Titus 2:11-13)