This week I've been studying Matthew 24 and Luke 21. These chapters give the signs of Christ's Second Coming and also teach us how to be prepared. Ever since I was a child, the signs of the Savior's coming have made me feel afraid of all the natural disasters, wars, and wickedness that will be (and are) upon the earth. But as I studied this I found many things that have brought me peace. Matthew 24:42-51 teaches how we should be always in a state of readiness. Just like a faithful servant, who is found doing his work when his master returns, we can be engaged in the Lord's work on a daily basis. Even though nobody knows exactly when He will return, if we simply focus on our daily choices to follow the Savior, then we will be ready whenever He comes. In Luke 21:9, Christ also counsels us not to be scared of the things that will happen, because they must come to pass to fulfill all the prophecies. Instead of viewing them in a negative light, we can shift our perspective and view these difficult times as the night before the dawn. I love what it says in Luke 21:28 about lifting up our heads because our "redemption draweth nigh." I know that if we are doing our best as disciples of Christ that we will be able to endure the trials of the last days and be ready and waiting when the Savior comes again.
