What’s next in God’s plan for the end of days? No one can say with absolute certainty exactly what is next in God’s plan of anything! God is God and only He knows the depth and detail of His plan. However, Scripture most definitely teaches us to know and understand the time and season in which we live.

When Jesus was on the earth, He rebuked both the religious leaders (Matthew 16:1-3) and his followers (Luke 12:54-56) for having the knowledge to understand weather signs (things of this world), but did not discern the time in which they lived. After all, Jesus was right in front of them, yet they did not recognize Him as the Messiah. Indeed, He has made it possible to know and understand the times in which we live. He has given us His Word to teach us, and Bible prophecy to help us discern the last days.

Thus, in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, the apostle Paul writes:

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night….you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 

[Emphasis mine]

Those of us who study and love God’s Word have special vision into God’s plan. Thus, when we see current events line up with Bible prophecy, we “get it!” We understand!

For years, prophecy experts have taught us about the Russian-led northern invasion into Israel, accompanied by Iran, Turkey and some north African contributors. That prophecy is clearing laid out in Ezekiel 38-39, and we know for certain that no one…not even America…will stand with Israel in the end.

But until now, America has been the world’s greatest superpower…until a weak American administration failed to exhibit peace through strength. The Afghanistan debacle was far more significant than most realize. The message sent to the power-hungry regimes lying in wait for world dominance was one of confusion and weakness. Now they are pouncing.

Will America be able to right the ship and project strength to regimes all too willing to fill the power gap? I don’t think so. Though the US still possesses the finest soldiers, sailors, airmen, guardsmen, and Marines on the planet, American military might and will to fight (at the highest levels) are perceived as weak and incompetent.

In attempts to regain some semblance of control (and perhaps save face), US and NATO naval forces are holding massive drills in the same region as Russia. Over 10,000 personnel, 50 warships and 80 unmanned systems are said to be participating in Cutlass Express 2022 (or International Maritime Exercise 2022). I’m certainly glad our military continues in drills to stay sharp and prepared for battle, but one has to wonder if it is more for show or actual training. I pray the latter. (Read more about the naval exercises here.)

But back to the idea of preparation for Ezekiel 38, and there being no need that Paul should write us, as Bible lovers, we should easily recognize the stage being set for the northern invasion by Russia and their cohorts. Russian President Vladimir Putin is flexing his muscle as he overwhelms Ukraine, and I hardly think he will be satisfied to stop there. In fact, some of Russia’s largest and most capable bombers have been moved into Syria, and their naval exercises in the Mediterranean put them offshore to Israel and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, not only will America be virtually powerless against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we will be almost non-existent as a world force when the Russian-led coalition moves into the mountains of Israel.

No one knows the day or hour of the Rapture, when Jesus snatches us out of here to meet Him in the air. But, if we fail to discern the time and season in which we live, we are no better off than the religious leaders who saw Jesus face-to-face, yet missed the Messiah.

Discern the times, my friends! We are seeing the most prophecies fulfilled than any generation since the time of Jesus’ first coming! Our Messiah is coming…get ready!