May 19, 2023

Many believe we will be raptured before tribulation begins, and some think that it will be in the middle, but what if we have to live through it and aren't called home until the last trumpet; how would you live your life differently? Let's prepare as if we will be here through its entirety, repent of being lackadaisical, and live solely for Jesus, solidifying our commitment to him, strengthening our faith and hope, and vowing never to give in, even under persecution. If the disciples faced persecution because of their faith in Jesus, what makes us think we are better than them and won't have to prove our allegiance to him by staying firm, even unto death? I'm not taking any chances. If I live long enough and Jesus raptures us before the tribulation, I will be relieved and have prepared my heart for nothing, but if we aren't, my heart is strengthened and ready to face what may come. We should always be prepared whether we are relieved of our earthly duties or must continue to live through the hardship of tribulation.

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17