In Matthew 24, Jesus speaks about the signs of the end times. He mentions the wars, natural disasters, famines, the falling of nations, and false prophets. He urges us to be alert to the signs of the times and not to be led astray by the things of this world. 

The thought of the end times can be troubling, even overwhelming. However, in verse 22 of the chapter, Jesus tells us that the elect will not have to face the worst of the worst when the tribulation starts and that their days will be cut short. This means that those who are children of God will be saved from having to endure the trials and trouble that are coming with the end times. 

We can rest in the knowledge that we will not have to endure the worst of the worst in the end times. We must however also live our lives understanding that we are living in the end times, and we were called to make disciples. This week, let us focus on living our lives as Jesus has called us to and bear witness to everything that he has done in our lives. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You for the blood of Jesus that pulls me out of darkness and into Your marvelous light. Help me to be found in Jesus so that I do not belong to the night or to the darkness. Help me not to be like others, who are asleep, but help me to be alert and self-controlled. Give me faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. I thank You that You did not appoint me to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through my Lord, Jesus Christ. Give me the gift of prophecy I pray, so that I may encourage others, as we build each other up even as the end approaches and persecutions increase. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen

Today’s prayer is straight out of 1 Thessalonians 5. Pray it aloud. Praying Scripture out loud is a way to worship God and focus on Him during that time with our body, mind, and spirit. It is also an effective answer to fears that arise when we think about end times and global upheavals.