Strength to Escape – The Presidential Prayer Team

But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things. – Luke 21:36

If you listened to the global leaders who attended the recent United Nations COP28 event, then you heard that glaciers are shrinking at an alarming rate and that losses of Arctic ice are up 75 percent compared to ten years ago. Their prognostications indicate Planet Earth is nearing a catastrophic end. Climate change… is that an indicator that Jesus may be returning soon? Certainly, the return of the Savior is closer than it has ever been, but there is no Biblical evidence that His return will come due to glaciers melting. In Matthew 24:6-8, Jesus says, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.”

So, as you see that day approaching, what are you to do? Today’s verse says to stay awake. Be alert to what is happening, have a plan for dealing with catastrophes (those who live in hurricane- or tornado-prone areas already know how), have hope, and always be prepared to share God’s love with others. When you face tribulation, remember that Jesus said this would happen (John 16:33), but He lovingly reminds you that He has overcome the world, and He is trustworthy!

You are coming to the end of a year, but probably not at the end of the world… yet. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10), for it is only in His mighty power that you will have the strength to endure.

Today’s Verse: Luke 21:36

⁶But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Luke 21:25-36

²⁵“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, ²⁶people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ²⁷And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

²⁹And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. ³⁰As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. ³¹So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. ³²Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. ³³Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

³⁴“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. ³⁵For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”