Towards Excellence

Undeniably, there is a dark cloud that extends far and wide across the planet, and although certain governments, authorities, and the general population struggle to confront it and cleanse the planet of this darkness, unfortunately, it seems to become denser and more difficult to eradicate.

The beginning of this 2024 has not been under the best circumstances. It seems that a dark cloud has covered the planet between the close of 2023 and the beginning of 2024.

For instance, it is evident that armed conflicts are happening in various countries around the world, of which perhaps the most widely publicized in international media are two: Russia vs. Ukraine, whose war began in February 2022; and the terrorist attack that Israel experienced since October 2023. Conflicts that show no signs of ending, as resources become scarce and lives are irretrievably lost. Humanly speaking, a solution is not in sight.

Certainly, Russia vs. Ukraine is just one example of how nation against nation confronts each other, disregarding true sovereign interests and the interests of two peoples who, behind the weapons and attacks, suffer the decisions of opposing governments and conflicting policies.

Of course, the case of Israel is different. Israel has to defend its home from terrorist attacks. After all, who among us would invite a potential terrorist attack on our homes without any opposition? Certainly not! I am sure that if something like that were to happen in our surroundings, we would gather courage, stand firm, and defend our family and loved ones tooth and nail, not allowing such attacks.

These are just two examples of what is happening in the world at this time—seemingly endless conflicts.

But armed conflicts are also happening internally. A case in point is Ecuador. Sadly, the country is experiencing an internal armed conflict as it has openly declared war on terrorists who have been operating in the nation for years.

On the other hand, the dark cloud extends even further over the sky of our world. Did you know that more plagues are already being announced… more viruses, more diseases from this year onwards? Yes, it is regrettable to learn that at least since the second half of last year, more lethal viruses than Covid-19 were already being announced, along with vaccines and medications to combat them.

Unbelievable, right? How did some organizations know well in advance about the next pandemic? Well, for months and even at least a couple of years ago, it was being disseminated with certainty that a new pandemic would strike the world, and it seems that 2024 will be the platform for “this foretold death.”

Let me share two very revealing interventions:

In May 2023, the Director-General of the WHO stated: “Although COVID-19 may no longer be a global public health emergency, countries must still strengthen response to the disease and prepare for future pandemics and other threats…”

And on another note, in March 2023, the renowned Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, pointed out: “The world hasn’t done as much to get ready for the next pandemic…I’m optimistic about a network that the W.H.O. and its partners are building called the Global Health Emergency Corps. This network of the world’s top health emergency leaders will work together to get ready for the next ‌‌pandemic.”  

Yes, it is truly unbelievable! The more we read and research, for sure, the more surprised we become.

Furthermore, just to complete the picture for now; earthquakes are commonplace. We started this 2024 as if welcoming a turbulent year, with the 7.6 earthquake in Japan that strongly shook the country and, in essence, the world, as if preparing to face strong jolts, not only in terms of earthquakes but in various spheres around the globe.

Undeniably, there is a dark cloud that extends far and wide across the planet, and although certain governments, authorities, and the general population struggle to confront it and cleanse the planet of this darkness, unfortunately, it seems to become denser and more difficult to eradicate.

Unlike the arguments of the “optimists,” the world itself, whether we like it or not, is in decline. Whether we like it or not, its destruction is inevitable. Why?

It’s simple yet controversial for many. The world is increasingly farther from its Creator, increasingly separated from its Sustainer. In fact, its heart is proud of its “achievements,” its “reach,” its “success”; by “progress” in industry, science, technology, and much more. And human beings increasingly crave more power, more pecuniary advantage, more pleasure. Of course, all of this, convinced that they are “self-sufficient” and have the “capacity” to advance and achieve everything they set out to do.

But amid all this “progress,” at the same time, more darkness has become evident. Sadly, amid this decay, even the earth groans. Yes, this is clearly stated in the Word of God: “For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now…” (Romans 8:22).

And how can it not suffer childbirth pains when we see our surroundings falling apart, and the darkness intensifies?

There is only one way, one solution, and that is Christ Jesus. If you, by “chance,” visited our blog or already know us; truly, this is not a coincidence. Let me be emphatic about this: darkness can only be fought with light, and the light is Christ Jesus, who straightforwardly said: “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life” (John 8:12).

The world and the humanity itself are facing a dense darkness; if you want to come out of it, the only way is Jesus. If you do not know Him yet and are interested in doing so, do not hesitate to contact us. Time is running out; today could be your “day out of darkness”, your day of salvation, for tomorrow it may be too late.

To conclude, I invite you to reflect on the following Word:

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:6-8)

Sources:

https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/05/1136912

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/19/opinion/bill-gates-pandemic-preparedness-covid.html