What If Your Faith Was Breaking News?

Everywhere we look, there is some sort of catastrophe and chaos in the news. Some days, with certain news cycles, you may feel like you want to just grab the Maalox, run for cover and ask, Lord are you coming today? Because this world is going to the pits.

You may be trying to unwind during your lunch break by grabbing a bite at a local eatery. Or sitting at the doctor’s office. You look up to see a large, flat-screen TV with big, bold letters reading “Breaking News.” (Sometimes I wonder if a news anchor were to sneeze, it would be “breaking news” on some opposing network.)

This very fast-paced, always-on-the-edge, information-at-our-fingertips society leaves us with little room to take a breather. As Christians, we need to be aware of what is taking place around us, but not be consumed by it.

For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. –Hebrews 13:14-15 (NIV)

We have hope as Christians.

Despite who is prime minister, sheikh, queen or leader of the free world, we see in God’s Word that THIS is not our home. Despite what is going on around us, we are to give a sacrifice of praise from our lips and thankfully acknowledge our Savior Jesus. Despite what breaking news may be taking place on TV networks or even in your own life, trust God!

Breaking news can come in many forms.

It can be an unexpected breakup in a romantic relationship, a divorce, a diagnosis of an incurable disease or a pink slip at work. No one wants to be in any of these situations, but at some point in your life, one or more may become a reality.

So, what do you do when you get hit with breaking news in your life? Who do you turn to when it feels as if the rug has been pulled out from under your feet?

Jesus tells us that in moments like these …

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. –John 14:27 (NKJV)

Our Savior knew in advance we would go through rough tribulations on earth, so He also tells us …

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. –John 14:16-18 (NKJV)

So who is this Helper that Jesus speaks of? He is referring to the Holy Spirit. He is our Comforter, our Guide, and He dwells on the inside of every believer.

So when you are crying because the situation you’re in seems like doom and gloom, and you don’t know where to turn … cry out to the Holy Spirit.

It’s OK even to scream at the top of your lungs about your situation. God hears you and is there with you. You may or may not get a solution at that very moment. But the Holy Spirit will be there to comfort and guide you when you cry out to Him.

It doesn’t matter what’s taking place around us. We may see it as breaking news, as a sign that our world is falling apart. But the Maker of the heavens and the earth is far more strategic than you may think. You may not see the big picture through your tears, but know He has a purpose and a plan that are far greater than your broken heart may comprehend.

It’s not our job to understand how things will work out in various situations. It’s not our job to worry when we get news that we feel will break us. But it is our job to bring our heavy burdens to the true and living God. He is always willing, ready and able to restore you.

The real breaking news is what the world needs to hear: God never leaves us nor forsakes us. We are never alone.