Road to Fifty Reflections: Day 34

Signs of the Times

What started as a simple news clip I came across on Instagram about China’s digital system somehow caught the algorithm and suddenly, my entire feed was filled with videos about digital IDs.

It felt eerily familiar. Back in high school, people were already talking about “the end of the world,” the rise of evil and a mark that would one day be embedded in human skin to track and control us. Now, I am almost 50 years old, I can’t help but notice how the signs of the times are unfolding before my eyes... earthquakes, floods, wars, innocent lives lost, children being groomed and misled, social media redefining our worth, the confusion of values, the normalization of sin and the persecution of faith.

And now, with the rise of artificial intelligence and surveillance technology, it feels like we are being subtly conditioned to surrender control. I suddenly had a chilling realization... that perhaps the introduction of smartphones, QR codes, cashless payments and even NFC chips were not just about convenience, but deliberate steps leading humanity toward something foretold. Tools that once seemed harmless are now capable of tracking, monitoring and shaping human behavior in ways we never imagined.

It is frightening… and yet, beneath that fear is a deep stirring of realization... time is short [very short]. Every moment with our loved ones, every act of kindness, every chance to pray or give thanks... these are precious gifts we cannot take for granted.

Amid the noise and chaos of this world, God remains constant. He is not surprised by what is happening. His hand is at work, even when we cannot see it. The real challenge is to remain steadfast in faith... to swim against the current of materialism, confusion and despair... and to cling to the truth that God is sovereign over all things.

So, I choose to trust... to believe that even when the world feels dark, His light shines.

Prayer:
Lord, open our eyes to discern the truth in these times. Grant us wisdom not to live in fear, but in faith. Help us recognize the subtle ways the world pulls us away from You.

Protect our hearts and minds from deception, and teach us to value what truly matters... faith, family, love and truth.

Strengthen us to live with courage and conviction, to speak Your truth with compassion and to find peace knowing that You are in control.

May we remain anchored in Your promises, guided by Your Spirit and ready for Your return [like the ten wise virgins] 🪔.

Amen.

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