Adam and I didn't post over the weekend because we were helping my mom, Linda, paint her house. Many FPers have asked how she is doing since my dad's death. She's been amazingly strong. Her faith is carrying her through this time.

When my dad first told me his diagnosis and I was upset, he told me, "You'll be surprised at how God will get us through this." He was right. I've been surprised at the way God has taken us through this time--without the despair I once imagined I'd experience at the loss of a loved one.

That's because the death of one of God's children isn't really a loss. There is, of course--for those of us who are left behind--the sadness of missing a loved one. But the hope of seeing my dad again and knowing he's experiencing complete joy gives us joy. And, at the same time I've experienced the greatest sadness in my life, I've also experienced the richest and most meaningful moments in my life--as my family shared final conversations with my dad and as we heard countless stories of lives he impacted.

If the news that FP has been reporting indicates that we've entered the 70th week of Daniel, then a time of great tribulation for God's people is not far away. Thinking about such tribulation is troubling. But as I've been thinking about this time in recent days, my dad's words have come to mind: "You'll be surprised at how God will get us through this." 

God gives us the strength we need when we need it. This reminds me of a scene in a movie about Corrie ten Boom, titled The Hiding Place. I haven't seen this movie in years, but I remember a young Corrie ten Boom asking her father how she would have the courage to die for Jesus if ever that was required of her. He asked her (my rough paraphrase of their conversation), "Corrie, when you ride a train when do I give you your ticket?" Corrie said, "Right before I board the train." Her father said, "It's the same way with God. He will give us the courage we need when we need it."

So, even though it's natural to fear tribulation, we can rely on God to give us His strength--and even great joy--as we go through it.

Today, I linked to two news articles about a potential war between Syria and Israel. The first article, from Voice of America, reports that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert wants to talk peace with Syria. The second article, from World Net Daily, reports that Syria is preparing to mount an attack on Israel by September if Israel won't give up the Golan Heights. 

So, will it be war or peace for Israel and Syria? Well, we know from the Bible that Damascus, Syria's capital, will eventually be destroyed and become a wasteland (Isaiah 17:1-3). Exactly when and how that will happen, we don't know. But it's incredible to see how the events of today may show the stage being set for another fulfillment of an ancient prophecy.

The destruction of Damascus is one example of the knowledge of future events that Christians are privy to thanks to the Bible--you can call it the "cheater's" guide to world history. People used to always be impressed that my dad was often able to accurately predict how events in the European Union would unfold. He'd say, "I just got it from the Bible."

And that same Bible tells us of the inconceivably wondrous eternity with Jesus that awaits us Christians--a knowledge that will provide us with supernatural strength for every tough time ahead.