What is the Time of Trouble?

What is the time of trouble? Simply put, the time of trouble refers to a period before Jesus comes again when we as Adventists believe the world will be pretty awful. During this time those who believe in Jesus and keep His commandments faithfully will go through some very difficult things. You, your parents, and your teachers can learn more on what this means in Matthew 24:4-14, Daniel 12:1, and in the book of Revelation (1-3; 12:13-17; 14:6-13).

Ellen White, one of the cofounders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and whom Adventists believe was given special messages by God, has written about this topic as well. She tells us that this time could be very difficult—with people having to run to the mountains, being locked up in jail for following Jesus, and other unpleasant situations.

The important thing to remember is that when these things happen, it means that Jesus is coming very, very soon! He will be with us sooner than ever before, and that is something to be really happy about. Jesus has also promised us that He will never ever leave us alone. As long as we choose Jesus and love Him and trust in Him, He will not let us down. He will be right with us, and His angels will be all around us to help us through whatever is to come. 

The important thing to remember is that when these things happen, it means that Jesus is coming very, very soon!

Sometimes when people talk about the time of trouble they share only the bad stuff, and don’t talk about the good news. In addition to remembering that the time of trouble leads right into Jesus’ second coming—and us going to heaven with Him—we should talk about God’s promises. Did you know that God has promised His care and protection during this time?

Here are three of those promises:

1. God has promised that He will not give us more than we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13).

2. God has promised that He will send His angels to minister to us (Psalm 91:11).

3. God has promised that He will cut the time short for His people (Matthew 24:22).

And at the end of this time of trouble, our reward will more than make up for any hardships we may face. We will see Jesus, He will take us to heaven, and there will be nothing but joy, beauty, and love in everything! We will be with Jesus forever! Now that, to me, is something to be very excited for.

When we think about the Second Coming and the time of trouble, we should remember that God will take care of us—we just have to trust in Him.