Christ as the rose of Sharon was willing to be crushed, and this holy fragrance of love reveals the nature of God’s amazing grace.

His blood was the ultimate sacrifice, as it redeemed and paid for the sins of all who would believe and accept Him as their Savior. God has drawn a blueprint, which includes His general will and His specific will for every person.

His general will is written in the Bible as His basic instructions to obey, and His specific will is offered to lead us in our everyday life and can be fulfilled when we seek Him with all of our heart and mind. We have been given the choice to follow this heavenly plan or to be independent and live according to our own desires.

The more devoted we are to His blueprint, the more of His attributes will be released within us. Jesus followed His mission, and He became heaven’s bridge for our salvation.

Ephesians chapter 5 and verse 2 reminds us, “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.” When we choose to surrender our will and become committed to this covenant relationship, our life can also become a sacrificial aroma of love that pleases God.

A couple of forest rangers who were hiking in Yellowstone National Park after a forest fire told this story. As they were assessing the inferno’s damage, one ranger found a bird literally petrified in the ashes, perched like a statue on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he noticed something moving under her. When he removed her body, there were three tiny chicks nestled under their dead mother’s wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety, but had refused to abandon her babies. Then the blaze had arrived, and the heat had scorched her small body, but the mother had remained steadfast and was willing to die, so those under the refuge of her wings could live.

How much more does Jesus love you? Jesus knew we were doomed, so He willingly gave His life so that He could save us from eternal death. Will you trust and believe in Him today? “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will trust. His truth will be your shield and buckler. You will not be afraid for the terror by night; neither from the arrow that flies by day” (Psalm 91:4-5).

Among the chaos, we know that God is still on His throne and is only allowing the devil to have a short time of rebellion before Jesus returns to restore order. We should not be surprised, as the deterioration of humanity is prophesied in His Word. I encourage you to find a quiet place today and share with Him about all the things that are troubling you.

In John Chapter 14, we read where Christ sent the Holy Spirit and that He would help guide and comfort us in our journey. I’m receiving more emails and letters than ever before, and many are from individuals who are afraid about what is happening in our world. There is a lot of talk about tribulation, and these subjects are not pleasant to imagine, as they involve anxiety and the mysteries of the unknown.

I’ve studied the Bible and listened to many teachers about the last days, and it’s true that perilous times are coming. Some are having dreams and visions about the future, and like the rest of you, I’m asking the Lord to reveal what is true and what is not. Nonetheless, may we remember that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us no matter what we may face from this point forward.

Like the mother bird who would never abandon her children, we can know that God is always with us. Christ is an invincible tower of safety and is still inviting those who are battling fear and anxiety to, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28.

In His presence, you will find peace and encouragement, but we must take the initiative to seek Him.

Dr. Billy Holland is a Christian author, freelance writer, outreach minister and community chaplain. To learn more, visit billyhollandministries.com.