Anyone who reads my writings on a regular basis knows that I love to study Bible prophecy on the End Times.
For the past year, I’ve been on a steady track, and recent months have found me much like a freight train on turbo. With my Bible, books and notes spread about, the Internet up and discussions going with in-person friends and on-line friends alike, I’m sure there are those who would call me obsessed.
I’m having a ball, though. Never have I had so much fun devouring God’s Word. Prophecy is a journey, though, and it’s easy to get confused. Take the Rapture, for instance. We have the Pre-Trib, Mid-Trib, Pre-Wrath and Post-Trib positions, and a host of views and debates surrounding each one. Brilliant scholars disagree on End Time events—and I’m no scholar. I’m merely a student who understands why some people retreat to the happy land of Pan-Trib…it will all pan out in the end.
Jesus is not the author of this confusion. Man and the devil get credit for clouding up the End Times prophecies. I firmly believe that Jesus wants us to understand End Times. If He didn’t, the Bible would not speak so much about them, and the Book of Revelation would not open with these words: “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.” (Revelation 1:1 NIV)
Honestly, I think all us prophecy buffs will one day sit at Jesus’ feet and laugh our crowns off over how clear the teachings were—before our theories and doctrines got in the way.
Most of my friends are Pre-Trib, which makes me the odd ball. I’m a Pre-Wrath or Post-Trib gal myself—I’m still studying these positions, but either way, I think the Church will be on earth during the Tribulation. (My Pre-Trib friends are welcome to say “I told you so” if it turns out they’re right. I won’t mind if they are.)
The deeper I dive into prophecy, the more I find myself wondering about something. How much do we rely on God? After all, if we’re here during the Tribulation, there won’t be much we can do of ourselves. As for trusting our fellow man, the circle will be small. Our reliance will have to be on God alone.
Even if the Rapture is Pre-Trib, we don’t know how bad things will get before it occurs. Should we not be the generation to experience Rapture, we still don’t know what devastation might strike our personal worlds. Again, I ask: how much do we rely on God?
I can say with confidence that I trust God completely in so many areas—but when it comes to survival, I’m very untested. Take food and water. I don’t think I’ve ever relied on God alone to feed me because I’ve always had a fully stocked grocery store close by, along with the Pizza Hut delivery team on stand-by.
What about illness? Have I ever solely trusted God for strength and recovery, or have I relied more on the power of that extra-strength cold tablet? As for shelter, I went from my parent’s house to college dorms to single girl apartments to the house I share with my husband and children. I’m pretty sure I’ve never relied on God for shelter because I’ve never had to.
I'm thankful that my needs are met, but also know they have never come under fire. Suppose there is no food or money to buy it with? No medicine for my ails? What if my house blows away—and I need a place to hide from Tribulation thugs who want to chop my head off? Would I fully trust the Lord THEN, and in areas that have never been challenged?
These questions draw me closer to the Lord, making me realize that our faith is never to be based on our circumstances. Our faith is based on God Who said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV), and on Christ Who promised, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NIV)
Let’s not wait for trying times to learn that we’ve relied too much on ourselves or others. Now is the time to come closer to the Lord, to know that He ALONE is our rock and our fortress. (Psalm 62: 2)
That’s the best preparation for any kind of tribulation.
c. Donna G. Morton May 2008
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Excellent, EXCELLENT thoughts. Not sure I agree with you on the "Trib" part (but I haven't studied it as much as you have!) but your point and message is very, VERY important and well-said. Much to ponder.
