One of the greatest mistakes a pilot can make is assuming smooth skies ahead simply because the weather looks calm in the moment.
In aviation, you learn quickly that preparation matters long before turbulence arrives. In many ways, that same principle applies to the days we are living in right now.
Paula and I recently answered questions from viewers about prophecy, deception, and how believers should respond in these last days. Underneath all of it there was one burden on my heart:
God never intended His people to live fearful, spiritually asleep, or unprepared.
God Has a Purpose for You
We often talk about what we call the “Four Ps.”
God has:
- A Purpose for you
- Provision for that purpose
- Preparation for what lies ahead
- And Protection for those who walk faithfully with Him
No matter your age or season of life, God still has a calling specifically for you. These are not days to retreat in fear. These are days to draw close to Him, stay spiritually alert, and walk confidently in His promises.
Jesus Himself warned believers:
“And Jesus answered and said to them: ‘Take heed that no one deceives you.’”
— Matthew 24:4
Will Christians Face Difficult Days?
One of the questions we received was this:
“Won’t the church be raptured before the Antichrist and tribulation?”
Many people believe that doctrine because they’ve heard it taught for years. But when Jesus spoke in Matthew 24, He was speaking directly to His followers. He warned believers about deception, tribulation, false prophets, and spiritual testing.
In fact, Jesus said even “the elect” could be deceived if they are not spiritually alert.
That should make every believer pause for a moment.
Scripture repeatedly calls upon believers to endure, remain faithful, and overcome.
“But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” — Matthew 24:13
Why would God spend so much time preparing His people for battle if there were no battle ahead?
Spiritual Readiness Matters
The enemy would love nothing more than for Christians to remain distracted, spiritually weak, and unprepared.
That is why spiritual readiness matters so deeply right now.
Every believer needs:
- A solid prayer life
- A deep understanding of Scripture
- Spiritual discernment
- Tested faith
- The Holy Spirit, who leads into truth
- And a heart fully surrendered to God
The days ahead will require more than casual Christianity.
Scripture reminds us:
“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16
Staying spiritually strong happens through daily fellowship with God, time in His Word, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Be Careful Who You Listen To
Another viewer asked:
“How do we know which prophecies or online messages are truly from God?”
That is such an important question. Why is it so important?
Because if there is one thing Jesus emphasized repeatedly concerning the last days, it was this:
Do not be deceived.
Deception rarely arrives looking dangerous. That’s why it deceives. It often sounds spiritual, convincing, or even biblical. It might even sounds like good news.
But today anyone can upload a video and say:
“God told me…”
But speaking for God is a serious matter.
The apostle John gave believers this instruction:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God…”
— 1 John 4:1 (NKJV)
Not every spiritual-sounding message is from God. Discernment matters now more than ever.
Four Ways to Discern Truth
Over the years, there are several things I look for when discerning whether something is truly from God.
- Does it align with Scripture?
God will never contradict His Word. Not just a single verse, but the body of Scripture.
- Does it reflect the character of Jesus?
Truth always aligns with the nature of Christ.
- Does the Holy Spirit bear witness to it?
Sometimes something may sound impressive outwardly, yet inwardly there is no peace or discernment.
- What is the motivation behind it?
Truth from God produces humility, repentance, clarity, and a deeper love for Jesus — not fear or sensationalism.
Always examine the fruit.
These Days Are Not Meant to Produce Fear
God did not reveal prophetic truth to create panic.
He revealed it to prepare His people.
Preparation removes fear.
Yes, we are living in serious days. But God is still faithful. His promises still stand. And His protection is still real.
The goal is not to become obsessed with darkness.
The goal is to stay focused on Jesus.
Keep Your Eyes on Eternity
One of the great traps of our generation is becoming consumed with the temporary world around us:
Politics. Chaos. Fear. Endless distractions.
But Scripture continually calls believers to lift their eyes higher.
Jesus is still on the throne. We must keep our eyes on Him. Not on people.
Other unlikely distractions can be the religious leaders of our day. Wolves have entered many churches, wearing sheep’s clothing, and talk sheep talk. Be cautious and discerning.
God has not abandoned His people. He is preparing them. This is a time of testing.
If you stay close to Him, you do not need to fear what lies ahead.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
With God, nothing is impossible.
