PREPARING FOR THE END TIMES

As Christians, we believe God’s Word about the times to come and we receive Spirit-directed warnings from God’s holy watchmen. Indeed, we see the handwriting on the wall.

An important question arises for many Christians today: “How do we prepare for the tumultuous events to come?”

SURVIVING FRIGHTFUL TIMES

I think it is normal to want to know how we’ll survive the frightful times to come. When the storm hits, destroying all roots of recovery, what will we do about jobs, housing, food, clothing?

Believers in Peter’s day most certainly had questions, as well. In his message about the end times, he focuses not on having our needs met but on the importance of preparing our hearts.

“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?” (2 Peter 3:11).

In the face of all that is to come, Peter zeros in on character issues!

The apostle is asking us, in essence, “What is in your heart in these last days? Who are you becoming as the end times approach? You already know God will take care of your physical needs but are you preparing yourself spiritually?”

BASIC INSTRUCTIONS

Peter echoes Jesus’ words (see Matthew 6:31-32) when he says, “The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer” (1 Peter 4:7).

In short, he is giving us basic instructions for preparing for the end times:

• Be sober-minded.
• Stay calm, no matter what happens.
• There is no need to panic.
• Take it all to prayer.