The Beginning of Birth Pains: 10 Things We Must Do

Discussing current events and how they relate to Biblical prophesy. What are some critical signs are pointing to the imminent Rapture of the Church?

“These are the beginning of birth pains.” (Mark 13:8)

We gather today in a world that seems to be groaning under the weight of unprecedented turmoil and change. As I reflect on the events unfolding around us, I am reminded of the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:8, where He speaks of the “beginning of birth pains.” These words ring truer now than ever before, as we witness a cascade of events that shake the very foundations of our society and our faith.

Let us take a moment to consider the signs of our times, for they are indeed profound and worthy of our attention. We see nations in upheaval, natural disasters of increasing intensity, technological failures that paralyze entire countries, and political turbulence that threatens the stability of even the most powerful nations on Earth. These are not isolated incidents, my friends, but rather interconnected threads in the tapestry of God’s grand design.

Consider, if you will, the recent “largest IT outage in history” that affected over 8.5 million Windows devices worldwide. This digital calamity, triggered by a mere software update, brought chaos to airports, silenced emergency services, and challenged our healthcare facilities. In an age where we have placed so much trust in our technological marvels, we are reminded of the fragility of human innovation. This event serves as a stark reminder that our reliance on worldly systems is misplaced. As Psalm 146:3 admonishes us, “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.“

But let us not stop there, for the signs of these birth pains extend far beyond our computers and smartphones. We have witnessed what has been called a “colossal failure” on the part of the Secret Service, an institution charged with protecting the highest office in our land. This incident serves as a poignant metaphor for the vulnerability of earthly power and the need for divine protection. As we read in Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.“

The political landscape of our nation, too, bears witness to these tumultuous times. The unexpected decision of President Biden to withdraw from the race for reelection has sent shockwaves through the corridors of power. As the Vice President now marches toward the Democratic nomination, we are reminded of the transient nature of worldly authority. The Book of Daniel tells us that it is God who “changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others” (Daniel 2:21).

Indeed, the current election season has been marked by what historians are calling unprecedented political turbulence. A fumbled presidential debate, an attempted assassination, and an incumbent stepping aside – these events harken back to the civil unrest of 1968 or even the tumultuous days leading to the Civil War. As we navigate these troubled waters, let us remember the words of Proverbs 21:1, “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.“

But the birth pains of which our Lord spoke are not confined to the realm of human affairs. The very Earth itself seems to cry out in travail. We have witnessed the hottest days ever recorded, with temperature records falling like dominoes across the globe. From Japan to Bolivia to our own United States, the heat bears down upon us with unprecedented intensity. The first six months of this year have surpassed even the record highs of last year, which scientists tell us were the hottest in 120,000 years.

These climatic extremes remind us of the words of the prophet Isaiah: “The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers, the heavens languish with the earth” (Isaiah 24:4). Yet, even as we face these challenges, we must not lose sight of our role as stewards of God’s creation. We are called to care for this Earth, not to exploit it. As we read in Genesis 2:15, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

As we contemplate these signs of the times, we must ask ourselves: How are we to respond to these birth pains? What is our role as believers in Christ during these tumultuous days?

1. We must not give in to fear or despair. These birth pains, as difficult as they may be, are part of God’s plan for the renewal of all things. Just as a woman in labor endures pain for the joy of new life, so too must we endure these trials with hope and faith in the promise of God’s kingdom. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

2. We must remain vigilant and discerning. Jesus warned us to “watch and pray” (Mark 13:33), and this admonition is more relevant now than ever. We must be alert to the signs of the times, not in a spirit of paranoia or conspiracy, but with wisdom and understanding. Let us seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to interpret the events unfolding around us through the lens of Scripture and God’s eternal purposes.

3. We must redouble our efforts to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In times of uncertainty and fear, people are more open than ever to the message of hope and salvation. We must be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15), sharing the good news of God’s love and redemption with a world in desperate need of it.

4. We must be agents of peace and reconciliation in a world torn by strife and division. Whether it’s in the realm of politics, international relations, or our own communities, we are called to be ambassadors of Christ’s love and grace. Let us seek to build bridges, not walls, and to promote understanding and compassion in a world all too often marked by hatred and intolerance.

%. We must not neglect our responsibility as stewards of God’s creation. The environmental challenges we face are not separate from our spiritual calling. As we care for the Earth, we honor the Creator and demonstrate our love for future generations. Let us be at the forefront of efforts to address climate change and environmental degradation, not out of political ideology, but out of obedience to God’s command to tend and keep His garden.

6. We must strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with God. In times of trial and uncertainty, it is all too easy to become distracted or discouraged. But it is precisely in these moments that we must draw nearer to God, immersing ourselves in His Word, spending time in prayer, and fellowshipping with other believers. As James 4:8 promises us, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.“

7. We must be prepared for persecution and hardship. As the birth pains intensify, we can expect increased opposition to the message of the Gospel and to those who faithfully proclaim it. But let us take heart, for Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). We must stand firm in our faith, even in the face of adversity, knowing that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven.

8. We must not neglect the ministry of compassion and service. As social and economic upheavals increase, there will be growing numbers of people in need of practical help and support. We must be the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out to the poor, the marginalized, and the suffering with tangible expressions of God’s love.

9. We must maintain a global perspective on these birth pains. The events we are witnessing are not confined to any one nation or region but are truly global in scope. As members of the body of Christ, we must be concerned for and connected to our brothers and sisters around the world, praying for and supporting them as they too navigate these challenging times.

10. We must keep our eyes fixed on the blessed hope of Christ’s return. While we cannot know the day or the hour, we can be certain that these birth pains are leading toward the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior. As Paul exhorts us, “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

As we consider these birth pains and our response to them, let us not lose sight of the incredible privilege we have to be alive at this moment in history. We are witnessing the unfolding of God’s prophetic timeline, participating in the great drama of redemption that has been playing out since the dawn of time.

These birth pains, challenging as they may be, are not cause for despair but for hope. They signal that something new is coming, that God is at work in ways we can scarcely comprehend. Just as a woman in labor focuses not on the pain of the moment but on the joy of the new life to come, so too must we look beyond the trials of the present to the glory that awaits us.

Remember the words of our Lord Jesus: “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). These birth pains are not the end of the story, but rather the beginning of a new chapter in God’s grand narrative of redemption.

As we navigate these turbulent times, let us draw strength and comfort from the unchanging promises of God’s Word. Let us anchor our souls in the unshakeable truth that God is sovereign, that He is working all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28), and that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).

Let us also remember that we are not alone in this journey. We are part of a great cloud of witnesses, joining with believers throughout the ages who have faced trials and tribulations with unwavering faith. From the martyrs of the early church to the persecuted believers of our own day, we stand in a long line of faithful servants who have kept the faith in the face of adversity.

Moreover, we have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Guide, who empowers us to live victoriously even in the midst of these birth pains. As Paul reminds us, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” (Romans 8:26).

As we conclude our reflection on these birth pains, let us commit ourselves anew to the cause of Christ. Let us be bold in our witness, fervent in our prayers, and unwavering in our faith. Let us be a people who, in the words of the prophet Daniel, “know their God, display strength and take action” (Daniel 11:32).

For in the end, my dear friends, these birth pains are but a prelude to the glorious future that awaits us. They are temporary discomforts on the path to eternal joy. As we read in Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

So let us press on, with hearts full of hope and hands ready for service. Let us be a people who, in the midst of these birth pains, shine as lights in the darkness, pointing the way to the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. For it is in Him, and Him alone, that we find the strength to endure, the wisdom to discern, and the love to overcome.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all as we navigate these challenging times. And may we, like the apostle Paul, be able to say with confidence, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

If you are not sure that you are saved, you can accept Christ into your life right now, by praying:

“Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins.  Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life.  I ask you in to my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior.”

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Current events are aligning with Biblical prophecy