Issues Magazine (I Magazine) encourages its readers to be of good courage as mayhem breaks out throughout the world. However, do not lose heart. Scripture tells us the following, "…and ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." (Matthew 24:6-7 KJV)
Yes, as a fulfillment of the Scripture, nations are rising against nations. That was evident in the United States' invasion of Venezuela. In January of this year the United States launched strikes in Caracas Venezuela, resulting in the capture of the suspected drug king and leader of the country, Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They were transported to the U.S. to face federal charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
No matter the circumstances, be of good courage!
As recent as this year the U.S. posture on Iran is characterized by "maximum pressure," a strategy that blends an aggressive military buildup and crushing economic sanctions. Following a period of heightened tension and direct military strikes in 2025, the current administration has maintained a stance of strategic submission, aiming to compel Iran to accept permanent nuclear constraints and end its support for regional proxies.
Global Tensions Rise — Yet Hope Remains
The world is sadly aware of the ongoing war in the Ukraine. According to a major report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, combined military casualties killed, wounded and missing are approaching two million. Further, the toll on the civilian casualties, while exact numbers are difficult to verify, it is estimated that close to sixteen thousand have been killed. In another facet, there have been forty thousand injured persons. The displaced individuals are over ten million. Yes, the Word of God does not lie, war and rumors are highlighted in the daily news broadcasts.
One can find encouragement in the following Scripture, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." (2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV)
Crime is rampant in the wealthiest country of the world. While murder is down as compared to 2025, it is still too high. Recent statistics show that 24% of all reported violent crimes in the US are domestic in nature. It is well accepted that the family is the fabric of society. When the family cracks, the foundation of society begins to deteriorate.
Be of good courage, do not allow the present atrocities of this nation to weigh you down. "So, Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:28) As Christians, there is the hope of Christ's second coming.
The recent unwarranted killings by the Immigration and Custom Enforcement arm of the government have given many Christians the deep desire for Jesus' soon return. The videos of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good have had many screaming out, as in a prayer of Imprecation, "O Lord, arise! O God, crush them! Don't forget the poor or anyone else in need. Why do you let the wicked get away with this contempt for God? For they think that God will never call them to account. Lord, you see what they are doing. You have noted each evil act. You know what trouble and grief they have caused. Now punish them. O Lord, the poor man trusts himself to you; you are known as the helper of the helpless. Break the arms of these wicked men. Go after them until the last of them is destroyed." (Psalms 10:12-15 TLB)
There is no doubt that some are praying the same prayer today. There is an anger that germinates in the heart and in an unguarded moment spills out in action.
Be of good courage! While the behavior of the present U.S. administration can be disheartening to some, as Christians, it should not be surprising because Scripture has given us the signs of Jesus' soon coming. Do not allow the devil to take away your joy. Allow the words of this song be your constant prayer:
"Order my steps in Your word dear Lord, lead me, guide me everyday; send Your anointing, Father I pray, order my steps in Your word please, order my steps in Your word."