I Am Here

The very last segment of history before the Second Coming of Christ will be the darkest period in the life of our world. The Lord repeatedly predicts this, calling it a time of great tribulation.

The sun will rise and set on schedule, rains will water our planet, but darkness will reign in people's hearts. And this darkness will thicken and absorb everything good, loving, and joyful.

Any crisis can be personal, it can be only mine. For example, if there is a war in the country, then all citizens of the opposing sides suffer from this, and especially those who are in the war zone. If my relative died, then only I and those who were close to the deceased will suffer from this.

However, the last crisis will come from God. The Lord will release all the forces of evil and allow them to carry out everything that God's hand restrained during the favorable time. All countries will enter such a state. We read in Isaiah 60:2: "For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you."

The darkness of the soul is something that everyone will have to face. During the night part of the day, we don't do things, but prepare for sleep. But the night of the soul is a time that concerns me personally and affects my spiritual, mental, and physical state.

My gaze is focused on what is before my eyes, and my heart is where my wealth is concentrated. During favorable times, I calmly create comfort for myself and improve my life, comprehending also those spiritual values that the Lord offers me. I can't always determine how firm I am in my trust in God, and then an exam comes into my life. The crisis tests me from different sides and shows me my weak and strong qualities of the soul.

My usual views on life are collapsing, and new opportunities are opening up for gaining valuable experience.

The Lord knows what His people will face at the end of time, and how hot the fire of trials will be. In these events, God will not leave people who belong to Him. The Bible not only reports on what will happen, but also contains information on how to prepare, what to do, and to Whom one should belong.

When I'm sailing on a ship whose course passes through dangerous places, it's extremely foolish to learn how to patch holes in the hull, sitting over ship repair textbooks, when a leak has opened in the hold. And if I run to the scene, I simply won't know what to do. Learning such things happens before they occur. And the exam reveals the depth of my knowledge.

Darkness is approaching. A collision with it is inevitable. It can engulf me, but it is powerless against light. Light is not afraid of darkness and continues to be light even in the darkest time.

Once I was asked to walk through the hall between the chairs. I did it without problems. Then they blindfolded me and, holding my hand, led me along the same route. It was more difficult, but I overcame this test. After that, I was asked to independently follow the same path, listening to commands and warnings. It was even harder for me, but I succeeded. In the end, I was offered to walk there myself, without removing the blindfold. I bumped into every chair, almost fell, and then realized that I didn't even know which direction I was going, and whether I would reach the goal. There were spectators around who laughed at my helplessness and made sarcastic remarks about me.

A similar test awaits every believer. And woe to me if I find myself in darkness without God's hand or not hearing His voice. If now the Lord can leave me in such a state to teach me to always seek and find His hand, then in the last test I will have what I have known and made the main thing.

The Lord knows what I will face, and wants to teach me something important now. I am given advice on what to do. Jesus personally comes to me to convict me and give me a way out of my sad state. I am given a very clear message about what to do. But most of all, I am surprised by the personal presence of Christ in this offer. He Himself comes so that I can acquire Him without intermediaries. This tells me about the importance of what is happening. And if God Himself wants to be in my house and have a close relationship with me personally, then this contains some important secret that I need to unravel.

Let's give an example. I've been fighting for my survival all my life, working two jobs, and barely making ends meet, considering myself advanced. But then a billionaire comes and, observing my "mouse fuss," calls me miserable, pitiful, poor, and naked. But he doesn't leave, he offers a way out. He advises me to enter into trade relations with him and receive from him what will make me rich, clothed, and wise. I am provided with a business school where I can get the knowledge and means necessary for prosperity. I am advised to be diligent in learning and not return to my past life.

I don't understand why such blessings? And he assures me of his love and friendship. I decide to try. I am given a decent amount of funds to invest in profitable projects. I look and rejoice, and don't know what to do with such happiness.

But this billionaire friend doesn't leave me alone. He wants not just to give or sell me something, but to have personal relationships, and he comes exactly when I relax after a working day, want to eat calmly and rest. And then there's a knock and a familiar voice. And I'm tired, doesn't he understand? But on the other hand, this is my friend who came to visit. My selfish heart resists, but my soul is drawn to communication. I decide to open and let in the dear guest. We have a fun time, and I get to know this person better. He convinces me that he will come the next day, and will constantly visit me after work, and even during work he is always in touch. I'm surprised, but I agree, because it's so joyful to be friends with a billionaire.

I tell all my friends about the changes in my life and thinking, I invite them to personally meet my friend, but they don't believe that this can be, and consider their time too valuable to spend on any billionaires. They'll manage somehow on their own. I look with regret at their poverty and can do nothing for them. My friend respects people's choices.

In our friendship, I am promised that if I don't leave the business school, I will always be able to stay in touch with my friend, and he will even introduce me to his circle as his friend and at all business meetings will give me the opportunity to sit next to him.

My friend warned that default is coming soon, and there will be difficult times, but by staying in touch with him, I will be aware of what is happening, and all my investments will bring profit to me and him.

Jesus knows what awaits me in the near future, and offers me what will enrich my life, make me a worthy and wise manager. And He also comes to me every evening and waits for my permission to enter, to get to know me better and share His soul secrets with me. I don't understand such love. What for, Lord? And He shows His wounds and says that He cannot do otherwise. And I understand that He is here, nearby, forever and will not leave me.

Questions for reflection on this chapter

1. Please read: Isaiah 60:2-7; Daniel 12:1-3; Matthew 24:21,29; Mark 13:19-20; John 16:33; Jeremiah 15:11; Ezekiel 9:4; 2 Timothy 4:5; Revelation 3:17-22; 7:14, in light of this chapter.

2. What did you understand from this chapter?

3. What Bible verses came to your mind while studying this lesson?

4. Do you believe that times of tribulation are coming that will test all of us?

5. Do you have any means to withstand during the time of tribulation?

6. Does God have a plan for the time of tribulation?

7. Do you know God's plan for your salvation during the time of trouble?

8. Can another crisis teach you something?

9. What does love have to do with the time of tribulation?

10. Why did Jesus and the prophets warn us that difficult times would come?

11. Are you not afraid that your love might grow cold?

12. Do you think the lessons of the Agape Love School will be useful to you in the future? Is it worth studying them?

13. Is it important to have love in the last time?

14. Do you believe that the time of sealing God's people is rapidly approaching? If yes, will it be calm?

15. Where is your Jesus now?