Embrace the Suck

[Everlasting Life]

Planning: Have a a 401 K plan..benefits..things like that..

Living: Don't be doing anything that you wouldn't want to be caught doing if he should arrive at that very moment..

Your post reminds me of how, in reading his letters, the Apostle Paul very much was anticipating the Lord's return, making references often either directly or in passing. And yet, he was holding down his tent job (even admonishing some Thessalonians who were waiting around, to get back to work) and very busy urgently getting out the Gospel.

That expecatation of Jesus's return seemed to be part of his motivation.

 

[Andy C]

Planning: Have a a 401 K plan..benefits..things like that..

Living: Don't be doing anything that you wouldn't want to be caught doing if he should arrive at that very moment..

None of us want to be in the middle of a sin when He comes, yet we all sin, but He already knows what we have done.

 

[Kelpe]

The thought of "years" is almost more than I can bear right now.
There is so much happening, so fast, how can it continue on much longer?

 

[penbrat]

The thought of "years" is almost more than I can bear right now.
There is so much happening, so fast, how can it continue on much longer?

Totally agree. But as He constantly has to remind me, God's timing is not my timing. I don't personally think it will be as long as some (not on this board necessary but in general) do but obviously God is the only One Who knows and it will be when it will be. But I get what you are saying. The last 2 years have been crazy.

 

[Jaybird]

We aren't supposed to discuss timing, but at the rate things are going I think the season of the rapture is here and I wouldn't measure a season by years.

 

[SarahRose]

I like many here hope He will catch us up soon. Every day I think "maybe today." I think it probably makes Him happy that we are so looking forward to being with Him.

It does feel like things are getting crazier by the minute. Not all of it is prophetic, but nonetheless chaotic -- which in itself if prophetic.

All in God's timing. It's hard to imagine eternity, but we know this life will feel like it was a vapor in comparison.

 

[Kerbluey]

Andy Woods’ videos Pastor’s Point of View are incredibly encouraging regarding prophecy and current events. To quote him: “The world isn’t falling apart it’s falling in line.” I highly recommend them if you want to be encouraged.

 

[Andy C]

Embrace the suck” is military slang for one to willingly accept the suffering, hardships, and inevitable difficulties

When I was a young Marine serving in the infantry, Embrace the Suck was a common phrase we used, especially on those torrential rainy days in Okinawa.

 

[Andy C]

I like many here hope He will catch us up soon. Every day I think "maybe today." I think it probably makes Him happy that we are so looking forward to being with Him.

It does feel like things are getting crazier by the minute. Not all of it is prophetic, but nonetheless chaotic -- which in itself if prophetic.

All in God's timing. It's hard to imagine eternity, but we know this life will feel like it was a vapor in comparison.

I long to be called Home, but in all honesty, Im not in a hurry to get there. I still have family I want to help come with us, and any hardships caused by staying around longer is well worth it for me.

 

[SarahRose]

I long to be called Home, but in all honesty, Im not in a hurry to get there. I still have family I want to help come with us, and any hardships caused by staying around longer is well worth it for me.

Reminds me of what Paul said in Philippians 1:23-24:

I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

 

[MapleLeaf]

I am not going to do the whole Christian virtue signal of pretending that life is so wonderful and beautiful and I can wait. Nope. I want Him to come today. Of course, I plan as if He isn't but I no longer feel sad at the idea of not having grandkids or watching my kids grow up or going on that trip if He were to come in the next moment or two. Sure, it would be nice if more people were to come along but I also think they have had lots of warnings. I'm not going to temper my enthusiasm for His return on their account. If anything, my focus/heart is on getting the Church ready to face any true hardships that seem to be imminently on the way. People seem to be clinging to the idea that 2019 normal is coming back.

 

[Andy C]

I am not going to do the whole Christian virtue signal of pretending that life is so wonderful and beautiful and I can wait.

That seems like a slam on those who are in no hurry to be called Home? Eternity with Him is a long time, and if I have to wait several more years, and I use that time to help others see the Light, its a win win situation.

 

[JoyJoyJoy]

I long to be called Home, but in all honesty, Im not in a hurry to get there. I still have family I want to help come with us, and any hardships caused by staying around longer is well worth it for me.

I'm with you, brother. Every day on earth is a gift, time to spend with my family, enjoy the way the Lord has blessed me, grow in my sanctification, pray for the salvation of others...etc
But when my time comes, by Rapture or death, I am ready. Come Lord Jesus for your Bride.

 

[JoyJoyJoy]

am not going to do the whole Christian virtue signal of pretending that life is so wonderful and beautiful and I can wait. Nope.

I think life is wonderful and beautiful.

I hate the evil that abounds. The Lord chose to have me live in this time and place and I praise Him for it. I imagine some of the old watchers (who have gone on) would love to see what is unfolding before our eyes.

 

[Andy C]

The Lord chose to have me live in this time and place and I praise Him for it. I

Key point!

 

[Mama Bug]

The song To Live is Christ by Steve Fry, for some reason popped into my head as I read this thread.

To live is Christ and to die is gain
There is no other life that I desire to claim
Than the life that's dead that I might live again
No more in self to pride, for I have died
And to live is Christ, and to live is Christ
For I've been crucified, and to live is Christ.

And my single thought is just to hear Your voice
For this I have been bought, to make my Lord rejoice
And if all I do is bring joy to You
Then let my life be poured, an offering to the Lord
And to live is Christ, and to live is Christ
For I've been crucified, and to live is Christ.

Let my life be a fountain of Your blessing
Let my life be a fragrant sacrifice
That the hurt and bruised may know the God that loves them so
Forever let my prayer be

Repeat verse one

My dad sang this song in church 30 or so years ago. I vaguely remember hearing him practice. This one and a few others are uploaded on YouTube so I can hear his voice whenever I want.

I know it's not Rapture related but we all want to go Home and most if not all of us have unsaved loved ones that we want there with us. I'm so ready to blow this popsicle stand that I can't stand it. Yet I'm torn because, like most of you, I have unsaved loved ones. Sadly I think it will take the Rapture to get some of their attention. I pray we're not stuck here for too much longer though as I am sick of this world and its evil.

 

[Andy C]

I know it's not Rapture related but we all want to go Home and most if not all of us have unsaved loved ones that we want there with us. I'm so ready to blow this popsicle stand that I can't stand it. Yet I'm torn because, like most of you, I have unsaved loved ones. Sadly I think it will take the Rapture to get some of their attention. I pray we're not stuck here for too much longer though as I am sick of this world and its evil.

Amen sister!

 

[Everlasting Life]

I am not going to do the whole Christian virtue signal of pretending that life is so wonderful and beautiful and I can wait. Nope. I want Him to come today. Of course, I plan as if He isn't but I no longer feel sad at the idea of not having grandkids or watching my kids grow up or going on that trip if He were to come in the next moment or two. Sure, it would be nice if more people were to come along but I also think they have had lots of warnings. I'm not going to temper my enthusiasm for His return on their account. If anything, my focus/heart is on getting the Church ready to face any true hardships that seem to be imminently on the way. People seem to be clinging to the idea that 2019 normal is coming back.

I think Noah also was looking forward to His rescue like you and as 1 Peter 2:5 says, he was a preacher of right living as he was also, in faith, looking ahead to his rescue.

I would submit that looking forward to Christ 's rescue while continuing in whatever various work He has for us as Noah did in building the ark and preaching, are two sides of the same coin of looking forward to our blessed hope in Christ.

In fact, for me, that hope propells me to the work God's called me to. That hope drives me to also point others to see this hope. Just as when I see a beautiful rainbow, I don't stop looking but rather speak up to others around me to look as well and enjoy the beauty with me.

MapleLeaf, yes, hang on to that wonderful hope you have. No one is saying not to. And also be alert to any "last minute preparation" needed for the journey to come, as Noad did. To point others to Christ as the Lord places before you.

 

[Batfan7]

While it hasn't been 11 years for me of thinking we are in the End Tines season, it's been quite a few. And there have been lots of "high watch" dates that have come and gone. And I think there are more yet to pass by before the Rapture.

There just seem like there are several major prophetic things that aren't in place yet. The biggest to my mind is that ten kings need to be in place BEFORE the anti-christ rises and the first seal is broken. I realize that a large gap between Rapture and Trib could fix some of my issues, but I don't really expect a large gap. Which means we wait longer.

Ugh.

I really hope that the wait isn't decades, but if it is, then God has a purpose in it. May the "suck" in the meantime not be too harsh. May our spirits not be crushed as we see the evil all around us.