I know people say things like “the younger generation is leaving the church,” and that “Christians are a shrinking minority”. I know that polls point to our sure disappearance, but I also know something to encourage our fainting hearts: Christianity is thriving in God’s hands and Christians are not a dying breed.
We never will be.
As I study Scripture – one book of the Bible at a time – the more I see the overarching story of our faithful God preserving His people through everything. I recently studied the book of Judges, then Ruth, now Esther; in each book, I imagined an ark splashing through the pages of Scripture: in every circumstance, God has always held His people in His hand.
God has loved us with an everlasting love, protected us with His great power, provided healing for our brokenness, and kept His covenant with us.
Every time we break our side of the covenant and wonder, could God still love us? He answers with undeniable commitment, “Yes. I will always love you.”
Every time kings and nations rise against us, we wonder will we make it through this hatred? He answers with certainly, “Yes. I will win this battle for you.”
Every time nature rails against us, frightening us with its power, we wonder will we survive? He answers, “Yes. I will preserve you.”
The whole story of Scripture bolsters our faith in our God who is preserving His people because He loves us. Though you may be struggling against sorrow, sin, politics, culture, sickness, or hardship, do not fear.
It is good to be God’s.
If we learn anything from Scripture, may it be this: that He will preserve His people to the end.
We can count on this.
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3