There’s a stirring in the hearts of believers around the world today – a sense that we’re witnessing the unfolding of ancient prophecies before our eyes. As we watch nations aligning in ways that echo Ezekiel’s prophecies of Gog and Magog, as we see the unprecedented movement of peoples and the explosion of knowledge that Daniel foresaw, many of us feel a quiet certainty that we’re living in extraordinary times.
Yet even as we witness these things, our hearts can remain at peace, anchored in the unwavering promises of God. “When these things begin to take place,” Jesus told us, “straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). What profound comfort these words bring! Even as we see the signs of challenging times ahead, we’re reminded that every shifting shadow in our world points toward the dawning of our greatest hope – the return of our Lord.
The prophecies we see potentially unfolding – the coalitions of nations from the north, the increasing tensions around Israel, the rapid advance of technology enabling global control systems – these weren’t revealed to frighten us, but to prepare us. Just as God warned Joseph about the coming famine in Egypt, these prophetic insights are gifts from a loving Father who wants His children to be ready for what lies ahead.
In times like these, I’m often reminded of Noah. Scripture tells us he spent decades building the ark under clear skies, likely enduring mockery from those who couldn’t imagine the flood to come. Noah’s preparation wasn’t born of fear, but of faith – a faith that moved him to act on God’s warning while continuing to live and work in hopeful obedience. “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household” (Hebrews 11:7).
We’re called to a similar wisdom today. The signs of the times – whether in the realignment of nations prophesied in Ezekiel 38-39, the increasing chaos in our world, or the technological developments that could enable the systems described in Revelation – these call us not to panic, but to prayerful preparation. Like Noah, we’re invited to take practical steps while keeping our eyes fixed firmly on God’s promises.
But what does this preparation look like? It begins, always, with our spiritual foundation. Jesus told the parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) to emphasize the importance of being spiritually prepared for His return. The oil in their lamps represents the Holy Spirit and our ongoing relationship with God – something that can’t be borrowed or bought at the last minute. In these days, more than ever, we need to be deeply rooted in God’s Word, steadfast in prayer, and connected to the body of Christ.
Yet we also see throughout Scripture that spiritual wisdom often leads to practical action. Joseph’s close walk with God led him to store grain for seven years. The Proverbs 31 woman’s spiritual wisdom manifested in practical preparation for her household’s needs. The early church, warned of coming famine, organized relief efforts before the crisis hit. These examples remind us that trusting God doesn’t mean sitting idle – it means acting on the wisdom He provides.
Perhaps you’ve felt the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudge to prepare – to set aside resources, to learn new skills, to strengthen community bonds. These promptings aren’t at odds with faith; they’re often expressions of it. Just as a parent provides for their children’s future needs, our heavenly Father often leads us to prepare for challenges He knows lie ahead.
But here’s the beautiful truth that sets believers apart: our preparation, while practical, is never merely about survival. It’s about being positioned to serve, to share, to be light in darkness. When we prepare with wisdom and faith, we’re able to be like the early church in Acts, who supported one another and reached out to their communities in times of crisis.
The prophecies we see unfolding remind us that time may be short, but they also remind us that God is sovereign. He who guided His people through the Red Sea, preserved them in exile, and protected the early church through persecution, remains just as faithful today. As we see the day approaching, we can prepare with hope, knowing that every sign pointing to troubled times also points to our coming redemption.
Friends, as we navigate these times together, let’s hold fast to the promise of Romans 15:13: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Let’s prepare with wisdom but without fear, knowing that whatever lies ahead, our God goes before us. Let’s strengthen ourselves in Scripture, in prayer, in community, and in practical readiness – not out of anxiety, but out of faith in the One who holds tomorrow.
And as we do, may we remember that our ultimate preparation isn’t for tribulation, but for triumph. For while we may see the shadows lengthening, we know the dawn is coming. Every prophecy fulfilled, every sign manifested, brings us one step closer to that glorious day when our faith becomes sight and our preparation gives way to celebration.
Father, grant us wisdom for these times. Help us to prepare with prudence while trusting in Your providence. Keep our hearts at peace even as we take action, knowing that You are our ultimate security. Use us to be lights in the gathering darkness, ready to serve and share the hope we have in Christ. And strengthen our faith, knowing that every sign of the times is also a sign that points to Your faithful promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
