Thank you for this website. It has helped me feel better many times when I need to be encouraged.
And that’s why I’m writing this note. Since January 1st I’ve been feeling a bit down because we’re still here on Earth. I’m not a date-setter and have never before been caught up in specific times or dates for the coming Rapture, but I really believed that Jesus was coming for us in 2007.
But here we are, stuck on Earth. Some of my friends and peers think I have a perfect life. I have a great family, terrific wife and children, am debt-free and really have no financial worries. I have no specific complaints, other than a general feeling of being down because the Rapture hasn’t come.
I believe God has given you gifts to help and inspire others, so I am asking you for words of advice, encouragement and direction. If you think I need a good kick in the rear, let me know that too. I don’t like feeling sad like this. And I’m a little afraid that one of these times, my belief that the Rapture is imminent is going to interfere with a work or home project, and then I’ll be guilty of negligence in my leadership position. Help!
Longing to be with the Lord is a good thing. One of the 5 crowns that will be awarded to believers after we’re Raptured is the Crown of Righteousness. It will be awarded to all those who longed for His Coming. (2 Tim. 4:8) Many of us hoped and even believed that 2007 would bring the Rapture, but it didn’t happen. That doesn’t mean that it won’t, and 2008 actually looks even more likely.
The fact that you no longer have the same enthusiasm for Earthly things as you once did simply means that you’ve developed an Eternal Perspective and realize just how temporary and unimportant this life is. In 2 Cor. 4:17-18 Paul described the trials of this world as “light and momentary” and said that as believers we should focus not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.
So don’t be down on yourself. You know where your citizenship is, and you’re longing to be there. 2 Cor. 4:18 is coming true for you. Your goal now is to use the time we have left to store up treasure in Heaven by directing your talents and income producing abilities to furthering the work of the Kingdom. It’ll help pass the time, and bring renewed excitement and enthusiasm to your work, because you’ll know that it has eternal significance after all.