The Great Tribulation
For generations Adventists have asked themselves, “will we be the generation who will live through the time of trouble?” When I first became Adventist, I asked myself this question often. But slowly this question escaped my mind, replaced with questions concerning today rather than tomorrow. Frankly, being more concerned about the present is not a bad thing; in fact, Jesus encouraged it (Matt 6:34). But it is one thing to “worry” about the future and another to “prepare” for it. Jesus teaches us not to worry, but he also teaches us to prepare (Matt 25:1-13). The ant does not prepare for winter because it fears winter, but because it is necessary (Prov 6:6). It is the same for us. We prepare for the time of trouble not because we fear it, but because it is the wise thing to do.
Confusing “worry” with “preparation” can lead people down a path of fear as they seek an impossible perfection, which is why I believe so many Adventist view prophecy disparagingly. But if we can learn the difference now, then we can grab hold of wisdom and grow in our discipleship. So, what does preparation for the time of trouble look like? Sister White tells us:
“Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest danger... because they have never made it a habit to trust in God. The lessons of faith which they have neglected, they will be forced to learn under a terrible pressure of discouragement…Our precious Saviour invites us to join ourselves to him, to unite our weakness to his strength, our ignorance to his wisdom, our unworthiness to his merits. God's providence is the school in which we are to learn the meekness and lowliness of Jesus.” (GC pg.621& 623)
Preparation is developing a habit to trust God. How do we trust God?
1. By giving our weakness to his strength
2. By giving our ignorance to his wisdom
3. By giving our unworthiness to his merits.
Trusting God is our preparation. It is the school where God teaches us how to remain faithful under immense pressure. It is the school where God teaches us what is true, what is virtuous and of true value. It is where we develop character and true integrity. Trusting God is how, during the Time of Trouble, we will be able to say with Jacob, “I will not let you go until you bless me.”
–Pastor Alex Portillo