Is it a Hoax? When to Know When the Information is False. Five Things to Help us Discern the Truth.

A lot of words are being thrown around on the internet and YouTube these days about what is coming and the tribulations and famines and over all pandemonium. Yes there will be these things, but we need to test everything and take every thought captive. (2 Corinthians 10:5) Part of living is learning to practice discernment and the recall of the cycles of God’s plan so we can learn from history. The first step is to question. What is the source? Is this site reliable? Have they had a track record of being right? Is it firsthand knowledge or third person? How do I feel in my gut when I am listening to the words? Peace or unrest. Does it contradict logic or Church teaching? Does it seem too far fetched and outlandish? Yes, God is a God of surprises and great works but most of the time His works take time and happen over a time period as a blessing or consequence. It is important to be objective and be the one who takes a birds-eye view and tests the fruits. In other words playing the long game instead of quickly making an assumption. It’s okay to be reluctant to believe something. Why? Because then it means that we are seeking the answer. It means we won’t be taken in. It’s okay if we are asking God to show us and not stubbornly hanging on to doubt of God’s hand. Does it cause confusion or peace? Joy? Sorrow? It’s okay to be moved and empathetic just not blind.

The second thing is to crosscheck facts. (Though, I will say there are times to just accept in faith with the understanding that in time we will know by fruit if what was given is true.) Time will tell. Ask others who do take an objective view if they have heard anything. Examine the facts. The guard is to make sure we are not being enslaved and taken in by malarkey or lack of knowledge. Sometimes face value can be deceptive and the source could be trying to take advantage of you and control you or the outcome. Is there a gain for a certain party?

Thirdly, we must question the past. Is what is being proposed in direct correlation to what happens as the fruit of sin? Will famine and wars and rumors of war happen? Yes. Scripture says that these things do happen and will continue to happen. But in the big picture does it really matter? God will provide. Also natural law dictates these things as well. Usually there is a cycle of boom and bust in direct correlation to people’s decisions. For example the Israelites wandering in the desert for forty years due to their decision to not listen to God and Moses. Or Pharo’s decision to keep saying no to Moses and then the ten plagues happened. Or on a completely secular note the fall of Greece and the fall of Rome. The fall of Babylon. All great civilizations that fell because of interior rot and corruption.

The fourth thing is to maintain a trust in God’s promise and not to let fear rule us. No matter how dark it gets God is in control and will allow good to come from evil. He protects the souls of the just. (Remember Lot in Sodom and Gomorrah?) Abraham’s conversation about this with God is very telling. “If there are 10 righteous people…” Wherever it is darkest there the light will shine brightest. God will provide for our needs and show us which way to tread. The greatest strength is leaning into God’s will that no matter what happens God will guide and direct us. We have the Holy Spirit and our guardian angels to protect us. Our responsibility is to listen.

And lastly, is there something that we can do to help the situation be better in our own circle of influence? Why? Because the Evil One likes to lie, kill, steal, and destroy, making things seem beyond our reach and beyond our capability to help. He likes to have us focused on the grandiose instead of bringing it down to our level. It’s easy to dismiss what is happening because it is so far removed from our daily life. Is idealism wrong then? It depends. Where is our heart? Does the fruit bring hope and trust? Looks can be deceiving. With God in control, what do we fear? Nothing. I repeat absolutely nothing. Not death, persecution, famine, floods, storms, insurrections, wrecks, wars, sickness, disease, principalities. What can separate us from the Love of Christ? (Romans 8:38) These things will happen, but the most important thing to remember is what the greatest famine is. “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “when I will send a famine on the land; not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” (Amos 8:11) So the key is to listen to the Words of God. Have you had a God Encounter recently?

Take a moment to reflect. How has God helped in the past whether with you individually or collectively as a whole? Thank God for the gifts He is giving you and has given you and you become immune to difficulty and suffering because you are embracing them. I am not saying these things won’t happen. I am saying that our heart will be peaceful because God is bigger than any of our troubles and will provide. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) That means if we are walking with Christ our burden is lighter because we are not alone. We have Him and we have our community to lean on.