M.R. Mulholland wrote of the game of chess,

At a certain point in many chess games, the one who ultimately wins makes a move that sets the mating net. That is, from that point on the outcome of the game is a foregone conclusion. There may be as many as ten or fifteen or even more moves left before the final checkmate move that seals the victory. During these endgame moves the loser is still playing the game, still capturing pieces from the winner. But inexorably, unavoidably, finally the winner makes the checkmate move and the loser is defeated.... Often the move that sets the mating net is costly, a sacrificial move that lures the loser into a trap. The winner may sacrifice the most valuable piece in the game, appearing to insure defeat. (M.R. Mulholland)

That is a pretty accurate description of the world in relation to the lordship of Jesus Christ. On the cross he won the victory over the most powerful forces in the world: sin and death. A look at the world today seems to deny that fact, but these events are like those ten or fifteen moves that seem significant, but cannot alter the outcome of the game. God has already made the most sacrificial move so that we could share in the victory.

We live in the pre-checkmate world. Theologians refer to this period in the Reign of God as "already -- but not yet fully." God's Kingdom has already come and with Christ's death and resurrection, his victory is a foregone conclusion. But his Kingdom has not yet fully been established, but that day, the day of Christ's return, is coming inexorably, unavoidably, and finally. That is quite a reason to keep up home in even the worst of circumstances.