Are we going to go through the “Great Tribulation”?

That seems to be a question not many Christians agree on. First, you would have to know what “that” is in order to talk about it. If you read the 13 chapter of the book according to Mark or the 24th of Mathew, you might have an idea, if someone who knows is willing to explain it to you. That it is hard to understand? Perhaps, and that is why I think Christians are wise, because they study the book and argue about it.

 I saw a program on a Christian TV where there were about many pastors and all of them had different opinions on that matter, based on different parts of the Bible. Some say that Christ is coming for his church before the tribulation comes and others think the opposite. That tells me, though, that I should learn and ask God for discernment to know what to believe, and wisdom to understand His Word. Do not follow a tradition because of “how great” or “how rich” it is because what is “great” to people is NOT necessarily great to God. God’s standards are not the same as people’s even though He uses people to teach and preach, and to reveal God’s principles.

We know that God created us to his image, so we are smart enough to reason what is proper and why. For instance, I have heard a commercial on the radio that says: “If you do not wear a Seat Belt, you’ll get a ticket” Why? Because that is what matters to the majority: the economy. When they used to say “If you do not wear the Seat Belt there’s a great chance you’ll die, in case of an accident.” everyone excused himself: “Oh, that’s not going to happen to me for I’m very careful.” Or “One in a million chances like the Lotto”. . . But someone does get it.  Life is more important than a ticket, but it does not seem to “sell.” It seems taboo to talk about death. That is what happens to us, Christians, when we give out the message, yet many people find an excuse to not believe even at the expense of their lives. Perhaps a ticket would do.

Are we going to go through the “Great Tribulation”?  Many Baptist preachers think not. My mother in Law (sister of one) said she read something in Isaiah about it. Some Presbyterian Pastors I know do not talk much about it, others think we’re going through it right now.[I agree on this from what I’m seeing is happening in the Christian principles country which I had never seen before, where the Non Christian religions are being honored (over Christianity), yet in their countries of origin they kill Christians, and here they are welcomed.] I have not heard the also Christian Catholics’ opinion on the “tribulation” theme. It seems as though the Christians have difference of opinion so why am I still one? Because the Non Christians think through their religion and penitence they are good enough to deserve paradise. Despite our non important differences Christians focus on Christ. It is NOT about us or religion. It is about the ONE who came to this world to PAY our debt for being imperfect. Jesus said: I am the WAY, and the TRUTH, and the LIFE; NO ONE comes to the Father but through ME.

(John 14:6)

Tribulation or no tribulation, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philip. 4:13) Besides, you will not get a ticket for not having believed, but simply there’s NO salvation without Christ. The Truth will make us FREE. (John 8:32)

Do you have the correct ammo?

Do you feel unworthy?  Sometimes I do . . . when I try to do something and I can not . . . when circumstances make me feel not capable . . . when people make sure others know I am not. . . And on the other hand, if I can not do something people expect I can easily do, I feel even worse.

Last week I felt like that. I felt like I was good for nothing. Then all the blues started to hit me and the imaginary serpent attacked me: “God took your productive life and turned it into a chaos.” . . . “He gave you a writing gift that has not given you a penny, but only debts.” . . . “You’ve been looking for years and no one gives you an opportunity because you’re not worthy.” . . . “Do not keep on trying, you’re too old now.”

For a little consolation I start searching in my wisdom rich counseling book, the Bible, and I come across of: Do you not know? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait on the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. (Isaiah 40: 28-31).  Do not fear for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you. (Isaiah 41:10)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Then I start shooting back: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13). . . The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? (Psalm 27:1). . . God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God. (Romans 8:28a). . . But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

All of a sudden I start feeling good and worthy, knowing that God loves me whatever the circumstances. He is with me and He has chosen me to work for His purpose and  knowing that any bad feeling is a scheme of the devil, I do as the Scripture says for I know in whom I have trusted: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the full armor of God, so you will be able to stand FIRM against the Schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything (girded with truth, breastplate of righteousness,  the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is The Word of God)  to stand firm.   (Ephesians 6:10-17)