TOTAL HONESTY TIME for those of us who believe in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture.
My third sleepless night in a row due to sickness. Having massive problems trying to accomplish basic life tasks. Financial problems. Family problems. Isolated in my home. Haven't felt the touch of another human in two years. Haven't heard my name spoken out loud any more than 5 or 6 times in two years. Fighting anxiety and discouragement on an hourly basis.
Some of the most sick, evil, and perverse things I've encountered in 50 years swim around me daily and the vast majority people thinking all this horrible stuff is GOOD.
Those of us Pre-Trib-ers who believe we are not meant to "suffer God's wrath" and will be "caught up" BEFORE the 7-year Tribulation LOVE to quote Ed Hindson who said, "Jesus does not beat up His Bride before the wedding!" But the past couple of days I've been thinking, "Maybe not, but it seems to me the Lord is just standing by and WATCHING His Bride being beaten up and NOT intervening."
Be honest. Have you been feeling the same way?
It makes me think of the "Left Behind" series of books and films. They depict the total chaos that happens after the Christians are removed from earth. But the way things are RIGHT NOW, while we are STILL HERE, is WAY worse than anything in the stories. I bet even Kirk Cameron is thinking how much worse things have gotten than anything shown in his movies.
I don't know why we're still here. I don't know why Jesus hasn't come for us yet. But I DO know I want Him to come like I never have before and maybe that is at the heart of the point.
Let's look at the last words the apostle Paul wrote before his death.
"I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have LOVED HIS APPEARING." (2 Timothy 4:1-8)
In other English translations, it says, "LONGED for his appearing."
I know I do. When Jesus calls me he will NOT have to do it twice.
I remember when I was a kid playing outside with my friends and darkness would be falling fast and then I would hear Mom call loudly into our neighbourhood, "Time to come home Laura-Lee!" She'd flick on the porch light to help me find my way and I'd see the warm lights from our windows beaming out their welcome. I didn't have to be called twice then either.
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I miss the old types of clocks that ticked. Even when everything was silent throughout the night they were a constant reminder that time was passing.
God is not "tarrying". He has a specific and set time to retrieve us and the seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks and months continue to pass by. Like Paul, our end is coming but for those who hold fast to Jesus until the end we will be given a new and glorious new beginning. Jesus has made this promise to us and I know, after 44 years of following Him, that He NEVER breaks a promise.
"9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.[b] That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him." (2 Peter 3:9-15)
I'm ready for my imminent departure. Are you?
The Truth, with Love,
Always, Laura-Lee
