From the beginning the road was rough and rocky, but when it led her into the dark forest, all she could do was put one foot in front of the other because she was determined to finish this challenge.  But when the trees began to make whispering sounds, she paused to listen.  They were speaking words she could understand!  Trees talking like humans?  The whispers grew louder and stronger.  Then hideous laughing covered the forest, followed by unbelievable words.  She froze, then buried her head in her hands.

“So you say that God is good?  Don’t you know that good is not good.Good is evil.  And didn’t you know that evil is not evil.  Evil is good, and we are making it so.  Walk on and you will see.  You will soon be destroyed.”  (See Isaiah 5:21-22)

Terrified beyond belief, she fell to her knees and cried out, “Oh God, help me!”  Immediately a nail scarred hand lifted her to her feet.  “Lord Jesus!  It’s you!”  She began to laugh, as the evil voices died away. 

“Walk with me and you will be safe from the evil one” He said.  So they continued walking side by side, hand in hand, on through the forest.

After awhile he spoke, “The end is upon us my child, so I must warn you of what is coming to earth.  Those voices in the trees were the lying agents of the evil one and they were trying to make you stop walking.  But as I have said before, “Woe to those who call evil, good, and good, evil.”  (Isaiah 5:20)  Their defeat is coming.  Even now the earth is hearing of wars and rumors of wars.  Nation is rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom.  There are famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  And tribulations like you’ve never seen are just around the corner.  (See Matthew 24)  But as long as you walk with me I will take you safely to the other side.” 

Then she asked, “Lord, what will it really be like there?”

He smiled a gentle smile, “Heaven? It defies description. Just wait and see. You will not be disappointed.” (See Revelation 21 & 22)  He grasped her hand a little tighter and said, “Hold on, we still have a few more difficult miles, but together we will get there.”

Beloved, can you identify?  Is the road you’re walking a nightmare like nothing you’ve ever experienced?  If so, then read on.  Jesus said in Luke 21:28, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”  Are you walking with Jesus? 

It’s your only hope.