Skilled U.S. and Western diplomatic teams calmed the Indian and Pakistani antagonists just when things appeared to be getting out of control. Personal warnings from President Bush and his team had lowered the heat on the Kashmir dispute. In effect these two nations had been threatening each other with mutual nuclear destruction. They had approached the brink of nuclear warfare. But brinkmanship of this type is a deadly game in today's technological world.

Experts feared that India and Pakistan could have set off an uncontrollable chain reaction of events—not only killing an estimated 12 million people, but threatening the breakdown of our entire modern world.

A USA Today cover story summed up the acute dangers: "Beyond such mind-numbing casualties, the first nuclear exchange in history would decimate the economies of both nations and likely trigger a collapse of world financial markets that could spur a worldwide depression. Destruction and famine would send millions of refugees to neighboring countries...The world would face a humanitarian crisis greater than anything that it has seen before" (June 4, 2002).

The overall damage would be catastrophic. Even the geopolitical fallout is incalculable. Southeast Asia would become lawless to the extent that terrorists could operate almost unhindered. The Western war against terror might collapse in such dire circumstances.

Strong monsoons could be the carriers of deadly radioactive fallout to neighboring nations—perhaps even reaching faraway Britain. In addition to a projected 12 million deaths, an estimated 7 million would be injured and dying—a humanitarian catastrophe of the greatest magnitude.

A world of nuclear weapons

The Economist estimates that India may possess perhaps 95 nuclear weapons and Pakistan about 50. And despite a recent treaty theoretically lowering the number of thermonuclear weapons possessed by the United States and Russia, their respective arsenals remain truly awesome.

The nuclear club also includes Britain, France, China, possibly Israel and South Africa and, most worrying, Iraq and Iran in perhaps the not too distant future—if they don't have them already. Noted British broadcaster and newspaper columnist John Humphrys stated the obvious: "Since nuclear weapons cannot be disinvented proliferation will continue...The more states that join the nuclear club, the greater the possibility the terrorists will get their hands on a nuclear device" (The Sunday Times, June 2, 2002).

The nuclear weapons club is going to keep growing! There are all kinds of potential scenarios to worry about. In particular the West is currently concerned with securing the present government of Pakistan. If the administration in Islamabad should pass to unsavory adversaries, "nothing would be more dangerous than weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Taliban or al Qaeda" (Jon B. Wolfsthal, Los Angeles Times, Oct. 16, 2001).

Fears have even been expressed about rogue generals, in defiance of either constituted civilian or military authorities, launching their own version of a nuclear war.

A very disturbing realization

One of the scariest truths to emerge out of this recent Asian confrontation is public reaction itself. As veteran British columnist Hugo Young wrote in The Guardian, "We're witnessing the banalisation of nuclear weapons. Suddenly they seem to have lost their unique horror. Pakistan and India needed teaching about this truth and may not yet have learned it even with a potential of 12 million deaths held out for their inspection" (June 6, 2002).

Mr. Young was referring to those in government, but the reaction from members of the public is truly astonishing. Worry has been scorned. In speaking of the stark reality of nuclear conflict, one London Times reporter from Delhi, India, marveled, "The depth of misconception, among ordinary people, who are pushing for their government to go to war, is alarming" (June 3, 2002).

For instance, one Indian antagonist said: "I don't care whether I live or die, we must punish Pakistan." Another stated, "If we want to have nuclear war, let us." Frightening!

But what about the West?

Gone is the U.S. fallout shelter craze of the '50s and early '60s. We've "outgrown" such fears and realized there would be little protection from such measures. Warning times would probably be almost nonexistent and the thought of suddenly escaping big cities via freeways or motorways is rightly judged ludicrous.

The Sept. 11 terrorist tragedy has sobered us, highlighting our vulnerabilities. The recent "dirty-bomb" scare reinforced the reminder somewhat.

However, it is doubtful that most really grasp the true extent of the potential dangers we face daily. Over and over again World News and Prophecy has solemnly warned its readers that we live in a very dangerous world, punctuated by serious crises of every stripe and kind.

Although God's overall plan for the future is made plain in the pages of the Bible, He has not revealed all details about what will happen in the short term, either next week, next month or next year. What we can guarantee is that God is on His throne—overseeing events transpiring in this world. He has a vast army of angels to do His bidding all the time. He is on the job on a 24-hour basis, even while we are asleep in our beds.

God is in charge

We can take great comfort from the many scriptures that tell us that God is watching over His people. He is fully aware of the dangers that we face as today's world trends and events become worse and worse. Remember the inspired words of Jesus Christ spoken when He walked this earth as a human being: "At that time Jesus answered and said, 'I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth...'" (Matthew 11:25). Here He fully acknowledges the awesomeness of God the Father and His absolute sovereignty.

The apostle Paul was inspired to repeat this truly profound expression when he encountered the Athenian philosophers. He said: "Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: God who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth..." (Acts 17:23-24).

Some 600 years before the time of Christ, ancient King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon learned this lesson the hard way. Daniel told him that time for repentance had run out and the king would be punished "till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses" (Daniel 4:25).

God is the Ruler! Yet in His wisdom He has chosen to extend mankind a lot of rope. At times in history, matters have really gotten out of hand before He has chosen to intervene in an obvious manner. Taking away man's free choice runs contrary to His overall purpose and He will only limit our free moral agency under circumstances that seriously threaten His master plan for humankind.

The great Flood of Noah's time was just such an occasion. Wickedness became universal and in order to preserve the human race as civilized beings, God was forced to destroy all but eight people. Then their descendants refused to spread out over the earth, instead remaining together for no good purpose to build the Tower of Babel. The sudden manifestation of multiple languages persuaded them to change their minds.

Much later in history, God miraculously rescued the nation of Israel from Egyptian subjugation by opening up the Red Sea. Then many hundreds of years down the line God sent His Son into the world to die for our sins. Jesus Christ lived a perfect life—setting us all an example of how to conduct ourselves before God and neighbor.

Special intervention in our individual lives

During His ministry, Jesus Christ continually helped ordinary people to cope with their difficulties. He healed many of all types of serious physical ailments, distressing emotional illnesses and life-threatening psychological problems caused by demonic influence and possession.

In our modern world today multiple types of diseases and mental health problems dog our lives. We have to cope continually with the stress of living at perhaps the most dangerous time in history. As never before we need to be sure of the presence of God in our lives—trusting and relying on Him to deliver us from whatever circumstances in which we may find ourselves.

The Hebrew prophet Isaiah calls for the comforting of God's people (Isaiah 40:1). He tells us that our Creator is enthroned above the circle of the earth (verse 22). He proclaims the greatness and mercy of God throughout this section of Scripture.

God is above all and in ultimate control of whatever forces may threaten His people. He says: "'Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you,' declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel" (Isaiah 41:13-14, NIV). In this New Testament age, the Church is the Israel of God (Galatians 6:16).

Keeping in constant contact with God

Even if it does not realize it, this generation is in dire need of God's intervention and help. We face uncountable dangers of every type and kind. Those few who are privileged to know and understand their Creator should draw ever closer to Him in regular prayer and Bible study.

Moses tells us that Cain went out from the presence of God (Genesis 4:16). None of us can afford to follow his path of disobedience to God's law. Instead we need to rejoice in the fact that spiritually we "have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem" (Hebrews 12:22).

If you have contact with the Creator God and He has revealed Himself to you, this is the most precious reality in your life. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). That's a promise! WNP