Signs of Deception
During the last days, we are told that there will be signs of deception. There will also be false prophets who claim they are the Messiah and also say they have answers for all the troubles that are taking place in our world. In Matthew 24, Jesus gives us a warning that speaks to our generation. In this passage specifically, Jesus is warning us of the false prophets who will show signs and wonders to deceive us. Some of these false prophets may be elected officials, people in government and leadership. This is why it’s so important that we start guarding and ask ourselves who these false prophets might be. Scripture does warn that these false prophets aren’t ordinary men. Many will cry out desperately for leaders to deliver them in the end times, and they will also turn to religious leaders who claim to have the answers.
Disputes Among Nations
Another sign of the end times is disputes among nations. The Bible warns us that a big sign of Christ’s final return is war and discord among groups of people. Sound familiar? Many people feel like the things the Bible mentions are happening right now. Revelation speaks of a period known as the Tribulation. This time will be filled with war, and it will escalate until the world is engaged. The war will be ceaseless and seem to have no end. Scripture tells us that as we shift toward the end times, there will also be many conflicts, including conflicts at the border, national battles and race wars.
Hunger and Famine
As we approach the end times, another sign will be hunger and famine. These are two issues that are big in our world, and many people wonder if this is pointing to us coming close to the final days. If you pay attention to what is going on in the world, you will see that millions of people are going hungry despite the blessings of a fertile and abundant planet that God offers us now. Another thing to pay attention to is natural disasters. There will be earthquakes along with the spread of new diseases. This has been of growing concern with new pandemics and diseases breaking out that we are having trouble controlling. Many wonder what these current devastations are telling us?
The Peace That Passes All Understanding
Not everything concerning the end times is bleak. God provides the peace that passes all understanding, a wonder that we have to look forward to. Scripture says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). This is an incredible promise and assurance from God. Those who place their full confidence in God and are also thankful will find peace. This will help us during the final days. Those who don’t know Christ will not know peace.
God’s Presence
Another wonder is God’s closeness during the end times. God’s presence will be felt, even when we’re in the middle of war. Even though we can’t see God, He is always near to us. Trusting that He is near is one of the greatest promises He offers. The Bible says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). This psalm, like many others, was written during a season of trouble. However, David, who wrote this psalm, is clear that the Lord is his light and salvation. God brought light to David’s life. The same will happen in the last days. When we’re worried about the evil forces around us, and the days to come, we should remember that the Lord is the stronghold of our lives.
God’s Protection
To defeat the enemy in the end times, God gives us special, supernatural tools. These are also referred to as spiritual weapons. These can help us prepare for battle. One of those weapons is the Bible, God’s Word. Another weapon is the Holy Spirit. When believers are equipped with the Holy Spirit’s power, they will be prepared to take on the enemy. This is just one supernatural tool in our arsenal. Many believers don’t know exactly how to use this weapon. This must change. If it doesn’t, many people will find themselves in more difficult situations. Their lives may even be in jeopardy. The reason God gave us these weapons is so that we are prepared for warfare.
Confident Prayer
Confident prayer will help us prepare for the end times. We know that prayer is powerful and essential to our relationship with God and our faith journey. When we abide in prayer, we also abide in God. The Bible gives the blueprint for a quality prayer life which will prepare us for what is to come. Now, this does not mean we have to spend every hour in deep prayer, but it is a reminder to recognize who we are in Christ. As we prepare for the end times, we need to pray like we are in them now. Getting in an active rhythm of prayer is a great starting place for the battles ahead.
