Dear Wake Up Family:
Larry Wilson wrote this article nearly a decade ago, which I have updated to reflect current events. The information seems even more relevant with the amount of turmoil in the world today.
Substantial changes are coming to America. The book of Daniel reveals that we have reached “the appointed time of the end.” The world has reached a time when national and global problems are so large and complex that there is no solution without enormous carnage. Do not be alarmed! God is aware of our situation. He knows our limitations, our self-inflicted problems, and that another world war is inevitable. The Bible predicts that a cry for “peace and safety” will rise before the Great Tribulation begins. (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
Problems in the United States (U.S.) are growing. Unfortunately, the nation’s power grid is beginning to fail. It is inadequate, overloaded, and needs major updating. Thousands of bridges are weak and need significant repair. The postal service is bankrupt. Social security and many pension funds are not adequately funded. Millions of retirees could be left in poverty. The nation’s banking system is in the red, and if it were not for the Monopoly money created by the U.S. Federal Reserve, no one could write a check and pay a bill! Food and energy supplies are declining, and prices are skyrocketing. The nation’s healthcare system is in upheaval from the COVID disaster. In these challenging times, this country needs a government that makes good and thoughtful decisions. Unfortunately, our government is divided, in gridlock, and dysfunctional.
The U.S. is bankrupt, and the national debt is nearly $31 trillion (roughly double what it was when Larry wrote the original article). It has to borrow $1.5 billion daily (up from $1.1 billion) to pay the interest on our national debt, which will increase dramatically when interest rates rise. The United States of America, which once loaned and generously gifted money to other countries, borrowed $550 billion last year ($416 billion in 2013) to pay interest on our borrowed money. The U.S. can’t borrow its way out of debt. There is no financial solution or possible means for recovery. A nation whose economy represents 16% (20% in 2013) of the world’s economy cannot be rescued. I am not being fatalistic or pessimistic. I’m being realistic. God foreknew these details thousands of years ago.
Consider God’s ways for a moment: Men do not create nations. (Romans 13:1–5) God creates each nation according to His purposes. (Daniel 2:21) Nations are living organisms, too complex and diverse for a group of finite people (any government) to manage. Therefore, the welfare of each nation depends upon that nation’s relationship with God.
If a nation exalts righteous principles, God blesses that nation with prosperity. (Psalm 33:12) When a nation turns its back on righteousness, God removes His blessings, and the woeful results of greed, idolatry, sexual immorality, mismanagement, and dysfunction begin. (Galatians 5:19–21; 6:7) Over time, a dysfunctional house becomes divided, and Sovereign God destroys it. (Daniel 4:17; Jeremiah 25:12–13) There you have it. The rise and fall of nations are explained in one short paragraph!
When the misery index reaches an intolerable level, anger and frustration will boil over, and rioting and looting will begin. When social order breaks down, martial law will become necessary. No one knows when the trigger will be pulled, but every country knows war is always a strong possibility.
Regardless of what occurs, abide in Christ. If we abide in Jesus daily and humbly seek to know His will in our lives, the Holy Spirit will lead and impress us. Remember, we cannot save ourselves from the Great Tribulation. It will bring conditions that allow the gospel of Jesus, which brings peace, joy, and serenity, to be told. Memorize the following verses and repeat them often.
Jesus said: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1–3)
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20) These words are God’s truth-filled reminders to you, and when peace is in short supply, they will shore up your faith and give you courage for the days ahead.
Marty Purvis