Last time, I said I’d talk about what it might be like if we actually go through what’s called the “great tribulation”—and what our part could be before it all happens. But before I get into that, let me say this again:
The amazing thing about God’s word is that it’s not just wise—it’s timeless. None of us really knows if the things I’ve been talking about will happen tomorrow or a hundred years from now. What really matters is how we choose to live right now, in this moment. Are we going to get swept up in all the noise and negativity the media throws at us every second? Or will we trust that God will guide us, not by taking away all pain and loss, but by giving us the strength to get through anything—and, in the end, bringing us home to eternity?
So, what is this “tribulation” anyway? It’s a time the Bible talks about—a period of serious trouble, conflict, and spiritual testing. Here are some key scriptures:
- Daniel 12:1: Talks about a time of trouble like never before, but also promises that those whose names are in the book will be saved.
- Matthew 24:21–31: Jesus describes a “great tribulation” with worldwide chaos, deception, and even cosmic signs, ending with His return.
- Revelation 7:14; 13:7; 16:18: These passages describe the suffering of believers, huge disasters, and the ultimate victory for those who stay faithful.
- Mark 13:19: Stresses just how tough the tribulation will be.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18: Talks about Jesus coming back and the hope of resurrection for believers, which many connect to the end of the tribulation.
This last scripture is where the idea of the “Rapture” comes from—a term that popped up in the late 1800s. It describes a moment when believers who are still alive will be caught up in the clouds to meet Jesus. This is different from Jesus’ second coming, which happens after the tribulation. There’s a lot of debate about when exactly this will happen, and honestly, nobody knows for sure.
The tribulation is usually seen as a time when evil gets worse, but it’s also when God’s justice and rescue are revealed. In Part One, I talked about Isaiah 11, which looks forward to a future of peace and justice under a king from David’s family—Christians see this as Jesus. I know the world feels heavy and anxious right now, but there’s real hope in God’s promises. The coming about of the days of Isaiah 11 follows after the time of the great tribulation.
Now, 1 Thessalonians 4 gives us comfort about what’s ahead. It says believers will be united with Christ—whether that’s before, during, or after the tribulation, and whether we go through it ourselves or not. My focus is on hope, encouragement, and living with purpose, which is exactly what the Bible calls us to do, especially when things get tough.
To sum it up:
- It’s normal to feel some fear, doubt, or discouragement after reading these scriptures.
- Scholars have all kinds of interpretations, but the Bible is both absolutely true and sometimes mysterious, leaving us with questions.
- At its core, the Bible teaches us how to live, warns us about the consequences of ignoring God, and shows us God’s love, compassion, and encouragement.
- We’re all searching for truth and hope for the future. But real understanding and peace come only from God, the author.
Looking at the world today, I see things happening that line up with what the Bible said would come. I have no idea about the timing—I just notice how quickly things seem to be changing. For millennia, people have said, “We’re in the last days,” and maybe they were wrong, but here’s what I want you to remember: We should always live our lives prepared for the last days. There’s incredible hope for all of us, no matter how you interpret scripture. Don’t let the scary stuff in the media get to you.
I have mentioned this before; the media is a business like any other. Businesses can only make money from sales, and encouraging news does not sell. Terrorizing stories of high drama sell like hot cakes, whether they are true, partly true, or plain disinformation.
Here are the main takeaways:
- The Bible doesn’t give us scientific details about the tribulation or the rapture. We don’t know exactly how it will all play out in the long run.
- We have no clue about the timing of end-time events. Even Jesus said, “It is not for you to know…”[1]
- If we live by everything Jesus taught, we will be ready for whatever comes—even if it means facing pain, suffering, or loss.
- We WILL make it to our destination.
Next month, in Part Three, I’ll talk more about why our mindset matters in these times. We will look at issues like the tribulation, the rapture, and preparedness, and why these events must take place.
I will touch on you and me in terms of how we are going to live in times like the tribulation and what our attitude must be when this all arises. Why is it important not to allow fear and anxiety to take control of our minds?
If doubt and confusion take hold of you, ask God to reassure you.
Love and blessings,
Peter-James