What practical steps can we take to remain faithful during these prophesied events? The Birth Pains Foretold “ ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.’ ” (Mark 13:8) Stay Rooted in Truth • Make daily Scripture intake non-negotiable. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) • Memorize key passages about perseverance (e.g., James 1:12; Revelation 2:10) so they come to mind when headlines shake you. • Test every news item, trend, or teaching by the Word. False voices multiply in crisis; truth cuts through confusion (Mark 13:5-6). Nourish an Unshakable Prayer Life • Schedule regular, unrushed time with the Lord. Continual upheaval demands continual dependence (Philippians 4:6-7). • Pray Scripture back to God—especially psalms of refuge (Psalm 46; 91) to keep fear from taking root. • Intercede for believers worldwide enduring the very famines, wars, and quakes Jesus predicted. Shared burdens knit hearts together. Cultivate Watchfulness and Discernment • “So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6) • Track world events with eyes on prophecy, not panic. Recognizing the “birth pains” actually strengthens confidence in God’s timetable. • Discern the difference between legitimate preparation (e.g., wisdom with resources) and self-reliant hoarding that forgets divine provision. Strengthen Fellowship and Accountability • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Small groups, phone calls, and table fellowship guard against isolation—one of the enemy’s primary end-time tactics. • Invite trusted believers to ask hard questions about your walk; mutual candor keeps hearts soft. Walk in Active Obedience • Obey today’s clear commands instead of speculating about tomorrow’s exact dates (Mark 13:32). • Practice daily acts of holiness—honesty, purity, generosity—so obedience becomes reflexive when pressure rises (Luke 16:10). • Keep short accounts with God; unconfessed sin dulls spiritual hearing (1 John 1:9). Keep Eternal Perspective Alive • “Fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:2) • Rehearse promises of the coming kingdom (Revelation 21:1-4). Present turmoil is temporary; glory is permanent. • Use trials as reminders that labor pains lead to birth—our full redemption (Romans 8:22-23). Serve and Witness Boldly • “Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12) Counteract that trend by intentional acts of kindness. • Share the gospel while hearts are tenderized by instability; many are suddenly receptive to hope (2 Corinthians 5:20). • View every crisis as an open door for Christ’s compassion (Galatians 6:9-10). Rest in the Sovereign Care of God • Jesus framed end-time chaos as “birth pains,” signaling purpose and an assured outcome. • “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) • Stand firm: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) |
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