The disciples wanted to know when the End of Days would come. (Luke 21:7)

I want to know, too.

In Luke 21, Jesus gives what is commonly called the Olivet Discourse (Jesus was at the Mount of Olives when He said these things. Matthew 24 also records, in greater detail, the Olivet Discourse, and is one of the most referred to end times prophecies. )

Jesus describes the “birth pains” for believers to be aware of at the beginning of this time.

Certainly no specific date is to be given ( be very skeptical if someone pronounces one), but we are to look for “birth pains” of the End of Days, And these things should cause the Christian to take notice.

Nation will rise against nation. Earthquakes. Famines. Pestilence. Fearful sights.

Christ followers will be hated by all nations; many will fall away, betray one another, hate one another; false prophets will arise and lead many astray; lawlessness will increase…the love of many will grow cold. (Matt 24 :6-14)

There will be tremendously, hard days for believers before our Lord’s return.

But!

“But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. “ (Luke 21:13-15)

That’s a glorious encouragement and opportunity!

The Most High God, Who will never leave us or forsake us, will give us just what we need when we need it!

Are we seeing birth pains now? I don’t know…it kind of feels like it.

The bigger question is…Am I prepared to faithfully endure hard times and still point to Jesus? Are you?

This kind of enduring faith will never come from a compartmentalized, Sunday-only, religion.

Is God our delight, our guide, our Rock every moment, of every day, all week long?

Do we cling to Him in the good days and the bad?

Do we know His Word well and trust Him more than our circumstances, or even our very selves?

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-35)

No, we don’t know if we will see the End of Days in our lifetime.

But let’s take heed and not let our hearts be weighed down with the cares of this life.

Look up!

One day the trumpet will certainly sound (1 Cor 15:52)! One day every tear will most assuredly be wiped away ( Rev 21:4)!

One day our faith will become sight!
Can you imagine?!

God’s words, in His Bible, are trustworthy and true (Rev 22:6)

They are hope-filled!

Oh friend, open His Word.
Know His Word.
Believe His Word.
Live by His Word.

“Watch therefore and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36)

And as you do, you will find you can rest in His Word, in Him, no matter what the day may bring!

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