Turmoil continues to seethe in many parts of the former Soviet Union. Unrest, revolt, hunger, unemployment, and severe shortages still plague most of the land. It prompted a leading Russian journalist to refer to these days as smutnoye vremya, the “time of trouble.”

The Bible uses a similar phrase to describe the events of the endtimes. They will occur during the prophetic era called “the day of the Lord” (Isa. 2:12-22). It will be a time of terrible tribulation, during which mankind will suffer as never before. There will be earthquakes, famine, war, and death (Rev. 6).

During this period, the Jews will be singled out. Their persecution will be so intense that the era is prophetically referred to in Jeremiah 30:7 as “the time of Jacob’s trouble.” But that verse ends with the wonderful promise that the Jews “shall be saved out of it.” That period of intense tribulation will bring them to faith in the true Messiah.

As followers of Christ, we encounter personal times of trouble. The apostle Peter wrote, “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him . . . glorify God” (1 Pet. 4:16). Our personal “times of trouble” are opportunities for the Lord to show us His provision, protection, and love.

  — David C. Egner