As our nation and the world move toward what the Bible refers to as the “last days” we see disturbing trends around us which leave us feeling confused and alienated. Why are people so committed to tearing down God’s moral standards? Why such hostility toward Jesus Christ? Who in their right mind could be so hateful as to bomb innocent people and then celebrate as if they had done something heroic? Where is all this headed? The forces behind these trends seem relentless. But at the same time we see people coming to Christ all over the world in great numbers. We see the Holy Spirit moving as powerfully today as in the pages of the Book of Acts. We see churches growing in size and influence beyond anything ever seen in history. So it seems the world is polarizing. Spiritual darkness is getting darker and God’s light is getting brighter. And that, of course, is exactly what the Bible says will happen in the “last days.” But this knowledge alone doesn’t prevent us from growing frightened by the swelling spiritual conflict we see everywhere we turn. In fact, if we don’t learn to walk in God’s promises, we’ll find ourselves wanting to withdraw from life and hide. That’s why the Book of Exodus is so good for us to read. It shows us how God can protect His people even when we’re surrounded by dangerous forces. It reminds us that He is our “place of refuge.” Even in the darkest of times we do not need to fear. We can live boldly under His protection and full of hope as we wait for His deliverance.