You are in distress, aren't you? How do I know? Because you're in the world, in the end times. All the Biblical prophetic signs are being manifested, from global warming to natural disasters and wars. If you're not caught up in one of these, you may be grieving for some who are, or fearing what may happen next. Matthew 24 describes some of the happenings the world is experiencing right now and what is yet to come. "There shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." (Mat. 24:21-22)

This does not sound good, does it? The Holy Scriptures are filled with prophesies since Noah and the flood warning about what is to come. Praise God, He has provided a way out for the "elect." That is you, if you know Him as your Lord and Saviour. Verse 22 describes that you will be taken out before the very worst is to happen. Look at verse 30: "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

Although no man knows the day and the hour, you can be very sure by the signs of the time that this day is coming very soon. Are you ready? Those who are left behind will have a great surprise when they see that: "then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left." (Mat. 24:40-41)

Be encouraged, therefore. There is a way out. Not only will you be raptured before the worst comes, but you have the Comforter living in you. He shall guide you in all truth (John 16:13) Whether you are grieving over an end time disaster or are concerned about making ends meet, the Source of comfort is always there! Jesus said: "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7)

Yes, God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He is El Shaddai, the all sufficient One; the mighty One. He has engraved you on the palm of His Hand (Isa. 49:16). Trust in Him. You are in Good Hands!

The parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matt. 25) describes how all the virgins, i.e. those who know God, had oil in their lamps and knew that the bridegroom was very close at hand. The only difference between them was that the foolish ones were not prepared. They did not bother to have extra oil on hand. In other words, although they did know the Lord, and that He was coming, they did not regard the importance of being continually filled with the Holy Spirit.

Are you enjoying a close daily communication with your Lord? Are you continually being filled up? As it was in Noah's day, the Lord warned the people through Noah that the end was near. But they scoffed at Noah and did not heed the signs. Only Noah and his immediate family were saved.

The Lord is gracious to give us the signs that he is close at hand Enjoy a close, daily relationship with Him, walk in His ways, and you will be prepared to meet Him in the air in eager anticipation.