Q: There are so many signs and rumors of the end times, and I’m stressing about the persecution. Please help! — a Seventh-day Adventist, from Zimbabwe.
Q: We believe that Jesus is coming very soon! We see prophecy fulfilling! We are praying for the Holy Spirit and the latter rain every day! I don’t know about you, but I’m scared of the end times! I want to be ready so badly and yet I feel like I’m never going to make it. — A pastor’s wife and young mother, from Canada
Q: I’m honestly scared for what is to come. I pray and try to spend time with God but my mind and heart seem to not have peace. … I’m scared for my husband who refuses to accept God. … I’m scared that I won’t know what to do when the time comes and I have to stand up for what I believe in. … I feel horrible because I feel like I’m failing Jesus for not trusting in Him 100 percent. Should I continue with trying to reach my goals and dreams? I ask myself if it’s still worth finishing my master’s degree program? Should I plan on having a baby and buy a home? I don’t know what to do. — a church member, from the United States
A: As we consider end-time scenarios, let me first encourage you to remember some of the wonderful Bible promises, assuring us that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). And in Isaiah 41:10 we read this wonderful promise: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
In the sermon on the mount, Jesus assures us that our heavenly Father knows our needs, and instructs us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you,” (Matthew 5:32, 33). Then, He concludes with this very important counsel: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (vs. 34).
When tempted to be fearful about the future, let’s remember that our strength comes from God, not from ourselves. Now is the time to develop a deeper, trusting relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Spend time reading God’s Word and praying each day. As we learn to trust and follow Him now in the daily challenges of life, it will be much easier to have faith when bigger challenges arise. As you read books by Ellen G. White such as “The Great Controversy,” look for the wondrous ways God has helped His people in the past, and the assurances of deliverance in the future. Take every opportunity you can now to build your faith.
Regarding plans for the future — such as finishing an education, having children, buying a house, and so on, Jesus tells us in Luke 19:13, to “Occupy till I come.” This means that we are to move forward in life, carrying out the work God has given to us to do, until He comes. What this means specifically for you is a matter between you and the Lord, but he promises wisdom to those who ask in faith (see James 1:5, 6).
Finally, as we look to the future, let’s claim God’s wonderful promise: “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20).